13.06.2024.
Minister Gašić meets with Minister Zhaksylykov in Astana
As part of his official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić met today in Astana with the Minister of Defence of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov, with whom he discussed the global politico-security situation, bilateral military cooperation and possibilities for its enhancement.
After an official welcoming honour guard ceremony was held and national anthems were played, defence ministers of Serbia and Kazakhstan had an open and cordial conversation, with the two countries’ delegations in attendance. Minister Gašić thanked his counterpart for the warm hospitality extended to him on his first official visit since being appointed minister of defence, which, according to him, is an indicator of a friendly relationship between the two nations and countries. According to Minister Gašić, excellent relations between the presidents of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aleksandar Vučić and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, certainly help to promote a closer cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasized that Serbia was extremely grateful for Kazakhstan’s principled stance and support for the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity and protection of national interests. He said that Serbia was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to all issues through political dialogue with Priština, with strict adherence to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement and added that Serbia would never recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of the so-called Kosovo.Speaking about the current events that take place around the world and undermine stability, Minister Gašić emphasized our country’s long-term strategic commitment to maintaining a neutral status and enhancing cooperation with all relevant actors in international relations, especially in the field of security and defence.
According to Minister Gašić, the defence cooperation is very good and there is room for improvement of the military to military, military-economic, military-educational and military-medical cooperation. He added that the upward trend in relations between the two countries significantly enhances cooperation prospects.The two ministers agreed that both countries were characterized by a peaceful foreign policy, readiness to resolve open issues through dialogue and establish an environment for smooth economic development, as well as efforts to bring prosperity to the citizens of their respective countries.
Minister Zhaksylykov congratulated Minister Gašić on his new role and thanked him for coming to Kazakhstan on his first official visit as minister of defence. According to him, there is a mutual interest in strengthening defence cooperation through joint efforts, with special emphasis on military education, given the positive experiences from past joint activities. Minister Zhaksylykov thanked friendly Serbia for the assistance provided to Kazakhstan during the floods that had hit his country and added that our two countries were committed to peace and cooperation.Today's meeting was attended by the members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces delegation, led by Minister Gašić - Acting Assistant Minister for Defence Policy Predrag Bandić, Head of the Logistics Department (J-4), SAF General Staff, Maj. Gen. Srđan Petković, and Head of the Defence Technologies Department, Material Resources Sector, Brig. Gen. Slavko Rakić, as well as the Ambassador of Serbia to Kazakhstan, Vladimir Jovičić, and the Serbian Defence Attaché, Col. Saša Momčilović.
Minister Gašić signed the honoured guests’ book, saying that “today’s talks have indicated a mutual determination to strengthen defence cooperation and reaffirmed the traditional friendly relations between Serbs and Kazakhs”. He also expressed his belief that today's messages and strong ties, established through cooperation between the members of the two armed forces, were a guarantee of strengthening the defence cooperation between the two countries.After the meeting, Minister Gašić planted a tree in front of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence building in "Friendship Alley".
Earlier today, Minister Gašić laid a wreath at the Defenders of the Fatherland Memorial in Astana and paid his respects to the fallen soldiers of Kazakhstan.
