16.11.2021.
Formal talks with Germany on defence policy
Assistant Minister for Defence Policy Predrag Bandić met today with representatives of the German Federal Ministry of Defence as part of formal talks between representatives of the Serbian MOD Defence Policy Sector and the German Ministry of Defence.
Assistant Minister Bandić and Colonel Arnt Kuebart, Head of Division at the Security and Defence Policy and International Relations Department, agreed that defence cooperation is developed and expressed their strong support for its further development. The interlocutors exchanged views on the security situation in the Western Balkans region and current global challenges and threats.
Assistant Minister Bandić pointed out that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is the biggest security threat in the region.According to him, the transformation of the “Kosovo Security Force” into the so-called “Kosovo Armed Forces” is utterly unacceptable for the Republic of Serbia, and it does not only affect the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, but it also destabilizes the entire region.
Assistant Minsiter Bandić emphasized that the Republic of Serbia strongly opposes the so-called Kosovo’s membership in regional security initiatives.
Colonel Svjetlica, Head of the International Military Cooperation Department, also talked to representatives of the German Federal Ministry of Defence, and he also exchanged views with Colonel Kuebart on the political and security situation in the region.
Colonel Svjetlica acquainted his interlocutor with the involvement of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, emphasizing our interest in participating in certain PESCO projects.
Colonel Svjetlica also expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of defence cooperation and expressed our determination to intensify cooperation, in the interest of both parties.
During today’s meeting, Colonel Kuebart expressed readiness for the exchange of experiences and joint participation in certain Common Security and Defence Policy programmes and initiatives.
