Gasic opens Partner 2025 international arms fair in Belgrade

BELGRADE - Serbia is open to defence cooperation with both the East and the West and it is not developing its army and expanding its military technology capacities to threaten others, but to protect itself, Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic said at the opening of the Partner 2025 international arms fair in Belgrade on Tuesday.

Gasic said he was pleased Belgrade was hosting a fair recognised in Europe and around the world as a meeting place of know-how, innovation and experience in defence technologies.

"The approximately 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries - which is a record-high number of participants - are a testimony to growing interest in this event and its popularity. The exhibition space has been increased by as much as 30 pct compared to last year, with the Serbian defence industry to showcase the highest number of novelties this year," Gasic said.

He noted that Serbia had a rich defence industry tradition going back nearly two centuries, but noted that it was also a country that was looking to the future.

"Our commitments to safeguarding peace, independence and the security of our citizens primarily rely on our own know-how and experience," Gasic said.