30.08.2017.

Defence is the best part of bilateral relations with the United Kingdom

Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin met with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Belgrade Denis Keefe.

As it is the first official meeting since his appointment as minister of defence, Vulin said that he hopes that they will continue developing the successful cooperation, bearing in mind that it is one of the important partner countries, especially because the relations between Serbia and the United Kingdom in the field defence is the best part of the overall bilateral relations.

Minister Vulin and Ambassador Keefe agreed that quality defence cooperation, which is particularly intensive in military education, medicine, but also in military-to-military activities, is based on the traditional friendship of the two countries that mark the 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

The participants in the meeting also discussed the security challenges of the present, and the Minister of Defence expressed the readiness of the Republic of Serbia to cooperate with partners in the fight against all forms of terrorism, determined to offer an active contribution to the global coalition and international efforts to counter ISIL, in accordance with its capabilities.

- I would like to emphasize especially the compassion that Serbia has shared for the British people at the time when the terrorist attacks in London sent a clear signal that no one in Europe can guarantee with certainty safety to its citizens, regardless of the level of development, economic or military power - Vulin said and stressed that Serbia has repeatedly appealed for greater confidence and understanding of the European countries on all issues of common interest, including the migrant crisis.

Speaking about the engagement of the Joint Military and Police Force, Minister Vulin presented their impressive results: a total of around 22,000 illegal migrants were stopped from crossing over to date and 150 persons were arrested for smuggling people.

Vulin confirmed that Serbia as a neutral country continues to be a promoter of stability in this part of Europe, and is therefore still firmly committed to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, but with a clear position and support from the EU on all key issues:

- We believe that what is needed is a serious and responsible approach, courageous and realistic, with a view to the future, as confirmed by President Aleksandar Vučić's initiative to open an internal dialogue on Kosovo and Metohija, the Minister of Defence pointed out.

Minister Vulin invited the Minister of Defence of the United Kingdom to visit the Republic of Serbia in the forthcoming period to define strategic guidelines for future cooperation.