15.11.2021.
Minister Stefanović meets with Ambassador of Sweden Annika Ben David
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Nebojša Stefanović, PhD talked today to the newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia, Annika Ben David, about further improvement of defence cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Stefanović welcomed Ambassador Ben David and wished her success in her new role, emphasizing that bilateral relations between Serbia and Sweden are characterized by a positive trend, while the cooperation in the field of defence is in keeping with the overall relations between the two countries.
He pointed out that the Republic of Serbia pursues a balanced defence policy, with a long-term strategic commitment to maintaining the military compulsory military service, the Minister informed Ambassador Ben David that there is an initiative in our country to reintroduce regular military service as well.He also expressed gratitude to Sweden, whose donations over the past period helped develop the defence system’s human resources sector. Stefanović pointed out that the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces are committed to achieving all goals defined by the National Action Plan for the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 - Women, Peace and Security, that about 23 percent of the total number of employees are women and that about 16 percent of service members currently deployed in multinational operations are women. He also expressed our country's commitment to including more women in the defence system.
Minister Stefanović said that one of the priorities of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces is participation in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, which is in keeping with Serbia’s strategic foreign policy goal to become a full member of the European Union.Ambassador Ben David thanked Minister Stefanović for the welcome and said that Sweden is committed to the enlargement of the European Union and that it strongly supports Serbia on its path to European integration.
Ambassador Ben David agreed with Minister Stefanović that defence cooperation between the two countries is good, but that there is still room for improvement.