No hidden messages in my new role as defense chief - Vulin

No hidden messages in my new role as defense chief - Vulin

"When Aleksandar Vucic became minister of defense, he defined a policy that we are adhering to to this day. It is a policy that has given results, restored Serbia's reputation, improved the Serbian Army. The president of the Republic is the commander in chief, the one who is most responsible for our army. Vucic will continue to conduct the policy he has been conducting so far, and will have help from me," Vulin said.

Vulin also told the state broadcaster that his new job is "a great challenge but also a great honor" and that he believes that, together with members of the Ministry of Defense, he will succeed in "changing things for the better."

The minister explained that the previous government "tasked Vucic with taking special care of the defense industry, because this is one of the most important parts of the Ministry of Defense, something that can change everyday life and help the country's economy."

As for the opinion that his appointment as defense minister is a message being sent to the West that Serbia will not "break relations with Russia" and does not intend to join NATO, Vulin said Serbia's policy is one of "cooperation and respect with NATO" and "cooperation with Russia, China" - while "our country has no intention of aligning itself with any military alliance."

"We want to take care of our security, to protect our own sky, the country and the people. We must maintain a policy of friendship with both NATO and with Russia. We will not impose sanctions on Russia, but we will not stop cooperation with the West either. Serbia is not a country that should enter into conflicts with anyone," he said.

According to Vulin, Serbia's new government will be the same as the previous one - "the same ministers remained, with several exceptions in the departments that perhaps do not determine the key policy."