Defence Minister J. Naď in visit to Belgrade: Friendship and cooperation with Serbia are based on solid foundations and cultural and historical ties

While on defence and security Slovakia considers Serbia to be an important partner in the Western Balkans region, our friendship and cooperation with Serbia are based on solid foundations and cultural and historical ties, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď announced during his meeting with Serbian Defence Minister Nebojša Stefanović in Belgrade today.

During the talks, Mr Naď expressed his appreciation for European integration, which, as the only viable option, is among the Serbian Government's top priorities. He emphasised his support for EU enlargement and Serbia's integration and reform efforts.

The bilateral talks covered, among others, the potential areas of cooperation for domestic defence industries and the education and training options for armed forces. “We welcome every initiative to intensify mutual defence cooperation. This is all the more so, because such cooperation can contribute to bolstering the defence capabilities of both countries.” In this context, he underlined the potential of the SVK training areas to deliver training for different military units, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and police and rescue teams.

Topics of discussion included Armed Forces modernisation. The head of the SVK MOD updated his counterpart on the past and present modernisation programmes, including on the procurement of tracked and wheeled AFVs and IFVs for the SVK Armed Forces via the Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangements. He stressed that the development of armed forces and the stand-up of a Heavy Mechanised Brigade are among the SVK MOD's clear priorities to ensure the defence of the State and to deliver international commitments.

While still in Belgrade today, Defence Ministers Jaroslav Naď and Nebojša Stefanović also attended a concert by the SVK Armed Forces Band as part of the “Slovak Week in Serbia” event, featuring an exhibition dedicated to Alexander Dubček, a prominent Slovak politician and human rights advocate.

Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Throughout history there have been numerous events when the histories of our nations intertwined and when we helped each other, and this friendship has prevailed to date. By preserving the cultural heritage of our predecessors, the Slovak minority living in Serbia has formed the pillar of our relationship for centuries.”