05.09.2018.
Defence Minister meets Ohio National Guard Commander
Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin has met today with Major General Mark Bartman commander of the Ohio National Guard as part of the traditional visit of the commander of the Ohio National Guard to our country.
During today's meeting they pointed out that positive effects of cooperation reflected on the overall relations and capacities of both sides in the field of defence.
It was also stressed that the cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the US state of Ohio, within the framework of the State Partnership Program, is one of the mechanisms that are leading in the development and improvement of interstate relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States, while establishing cooperation within the civil sector and twinning of the cities of Kraljevo and South Euclid, Ohio, is a confirmation of the overall good relations between the two countries.
Joint exercises and training, capacity building of the Multinational Operations and Pre-Deployment Training Centre, Combined Medical Engagement and cooperation of religious services were highlighted as examples of the most significant activities of the two sides.
The interlocutors agreed that there was room for improving cooperation in the area of CBRN defence and cyber security.
Minister Vulin also informed the interlocutor about the current issues of the political and security situation in the region, with a focus on the unchanged attitude of the Republic of Serbia regarding the status of Kosovo and Metohija, stressing that Serbia is doing everything to end the negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina in the best possible way, with a permanent and sustainable solution that will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region.
The Republic of Serbia, Minister Vulin emphasised, strongly opposes the establishment of the so-called Kosovo Armed Forces, adding that such announcements by Pristina representatives are among the elements that, in our view, are quite certain to lead in a negative direction when it comes to the political and security situation in the region.
Minister Vulin stressed that, bearing that in mind, the Republic of Serbia remains firmly of the view that KFOR is the only body of the international community that has both the capabilities and confidence of Serbs to preserve peace and security in Kosovo and Metohija.
Talking to Minister Vulin, General Bartman emphasized that he valued the Serbian Armed Forces, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two partner countries, which is primarily reflected in the combined medical engagement and participation in joint exercises, pointing at the same time to the importance of establishing civil-to-civil cooperation between Serbia and Ohio.
During today's meeting, the commander of the Ohio National Guard told Minister Vulin that US Defense Secretary James Mattis, during his speech at the celebration of the anniversary of the National Guard Association of the United States, pointed out that the State Partnership Program, which is developing between the National Guards of the United States and countries around the world is very important as it develops partnership relations and alliances that are crucial for the survival of a nation. General Bartman also expressed his satisfaction over the possibility of attending this year's promotion of the youngest officers in front of the National Assembly building.
The commander of the Ohio National Guard has also spoken today with General Ljubiša Diković, Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, and during his visit to the Republic of Serbia, he will meet with Lieutenant General Milosav Simović, Army Commander, Colonel Dr. Uglješa Jovičić, Head of the Military Health Department, while South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo will attend a series of civil-to-civil-cooperation activities in Niš and Kraljevo.
