27.04.2016.
Meeting of defence ministers of Serbia and Russia
Defence Minister Zoran Djordjevic met today with Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu.At the meeting, it was concluded that the general and political relations between the two countries are traditionally good, based on historical friendship of brotherly peoples, as evidenced by the numerous visits at all levels in the past period. In this regard, Minister Djordjevic expressed his satisfaction at being able to continue the participation of Serbian defence ministers at the Moscow conference.
The defence ministers exchanged opinions on all current issues of general, military-political and security situation in the regions of the two countries. Djordjevic pointed out that the elections that have just been held in our country do not in any way affect or will affect, the key strategic and foreign policy orientation of Serbia. He pointed to the fact that Serbia is leading an autonomous and independent foreign policy in accordance with its national interests, actively building partnerships in the East and the West.
Minister Djordjevic stressed the commitment to military neutrality, in accordance with the Declaration of the National Assembly, as well as the right balance of relations with all the stakeholders. In this sense, we cooperate with NATO within the Partnership for Peace programme, with no aspirations for full membership.
Serbian readiness to contribute to the solution of the humanitarian disaster caused by the migration crisis, as part of the solution within the
European framework, was expressed, primarily taking care of its national interests and their protection.Topics of the meeting were also other topical issues of interest to both sides, such as fair and impartial Serbian OSCE chairmanship in 2015, when it was concluded that our country has proved to be a credible partner, dedicated to the preservation of peace and security.
Minister Djordjevic thanked for the principled support that Russia offers to the defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and the efforts to peacefully resolve all thet outstanding issues in Kosovo and Metohija.
Participation of the delegation of the Ministry of Defence at the 5th Moscow Conference continues also tomorrow, when the defence minister Zoran Djordjevic will hold a presentation entitled "Global security and military cooperation".
