09.08.2023.
SAF members deployed to Slovenia to provide assistance
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević attended today the deployment ceremony for members of the Serbian Armed Forces heading to the Republic of Slovenia to provide assistance to the flood-stricken citizens of that country.
Today, 22 members of the Serbian Armed Forces and H-145 and Mi-17 helicopters bound for Slovenia departed from the “Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović“ military airport in Batajnica.Minister Vučević emphasized that, at the request of the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, our armed forces are deploying the first contingent of SAF troops to Slovenia to help this country and its citizens overcome the difficulties caused by bad weather.
- Although the situation is still very difficult and critical, our armed forces and our soldiers are ready to take on this task and provide assistance to our Slovenian friends. Thus, we show once again that Serbia is a faithful and credible partner and friend, and true friends are the ones who help you in times of trouble, because it is easy to be a friend when times are good – said the Minister of Defence.He emphasized that even when certain policies “are not fair to our country, Serbia does not shy away from showing solidarity, from being there for the ones in need”.
- I am certain that our officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers will put in maximum effort into helping the citizens of Slovenia, showing themselves, their unit and our country, Serbia, in the best light possible. May they act bravely and wisely during the execution of their tasks and duties and I wish them a good flight - said Minister Vučević.
According to him, members of the Air Force and the 63rd Parachute Brigade were deployed to Slovenia today, and tomorrow, a convoy consisting of eight tankers – four carrying fuel, and the other four water, as well as 34 more SAF troops, will be deployed by land.- I wish them a safe return to Serbia, and we will give them the welcome they deserve – said Minister Vučević.
The ceremony was attended by the Head of the Logistics Directorate (J-4), Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, Major General Srđan Petković, Air Force and Air Defence Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Brane Krnjajić and head of the defence minister’s private office, Brigadier General Goran Momčilović.
For several days now, Slovenia has been fighting to lessen the impact of flooding caused by one of the worst natural disasters that has ever befallen this country. 