Serbian, Austrian DMs discuss cooperation

Austria supports Serbia’s EU path, Austrian Defense Minister Norbert Darabos told Serbian counterpart Dragan Sutanovac in Vienna yesterday. Sutanovac told a post-meeting press conference that Austria was one of Serbia’s most important foreign partners and that the two countries’ Defense Ministries enjoyed excellent cooperation. Serbian, Austrian DMs discuss cooperation The minister reiterated that Austria was one of the biggest investors in Serbia and that its experience in military neutrality, armed forces reform and active participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program could be very useful for Serbia. “We agreed that we shared the same security zone, but that we should share common values too,” he said, adding that the “danger of asymmetric threats” to the region’s security had also cropped up during the talks. Sutanovac noted that Austria had a developed military industry and that Serbia was very keen to forge cooperation with parts of its defense industry and assess the possibility of common weapons and equipment production. The minister voiced his satisfaction that Austria had agreed to take part at the international air show in Belgrade in September, adding that the event had great symbolic importance, which was why it was important to bring together as many friendly nations as possible. Darabos repeated that Serbia had Vienna’s full support when it came to EU integration and armed forces reform. “For us in the EU, the process of reform of the Serbian Army is very important because, that way, Serbia will be contributing to the process of EU integration,” the minister said, adding that Serbia was a key factor for stability in the Balkans. He identified joint training and exchange of experience in the field of military medicine as areas for potential cooperation between the two countries’ armies. The two ministers added that they were ready to work together on issues like the participation of members of the two armies in peacekeeping missions around the world. During the course for the day, Sutanovac, accompanied by Darabus, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. “Glory to all the heroes and innocent victims that gave their lives for the liberty and prosperity of all Europe’s citizens. To eternal friendship! To Serbia, to Austria!” the Serbian minister wrote in the visitor’s book after the ceremony. Sutanovac, Darabos (Beta)

Serbian, Austrian DMs discuss cooperation

The minister reiterated that Austria was one of the biggest investors in Serbia and that its experience in military neutrality, armed forces reform and active participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program could be very useful for Serbia.

“We agreed that we shared the same security zone, but that we should share common values too,” he said, adding that the “danger of asymmetric threats” to the region’s security had also cropped up during the talks.

Šutanovac noted that Austria had a developed military industry and that Serbia was very keen to forge cooperation with parts of its defense industry and assess the possibility of common weapons and equipment production.

The minister voiced his satisfaction that Austria had agreed to take part at the international air show in Belgrade in September, adding that the event had great symbolic importance, which was why it was important to bring together as many friendly nations as possible.

Darabos repeated that Serbia had Vienna’s full support when it came to EU integration and armed forces reform.

“For us in the EU, the process of reform of the Serbian Army is very important because, that way, Serbia will be contributing to the process of EU integration,” the minister said, adding that Serbia was a key factor for stability in the Balkans.

He identified joint training and exchange of experience in the field of military medicine as areas for potential cooperation between the two countries’ armies.

The two ministers added that they were ready to work together on issues like the participation of members of the two armies in peacekeeping missions around the world.

During the course for the day, Šutanovac, accompanied by Darabus, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. “Glory to all the heroes and innocent victims that gave their lives for the liberty and prosperity of all Europe’s citizens. To eternal friendship! To Serbia, to Austria!” the Serbian minister wrote in the visitor’s book after the ceremony.