Gasic meets with Chinese national defence minister in Beijing

BEIJING - Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met with Chinese National Defence Minister Dong Jun in Beijing on Wednesday, noting that defence cooperation between the two countries was growing constantly.

"The Minister of Defence noted that the close relationship between the two leaders, President Aleksandar Vucic and President Xi Jinping, adds a special dimension to the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, as evidenced by the two leaders’ mutual visits and talks. He highlighted the important visit of the Serbian state delegation, led by President Vucic, to China to attend the military parade marking China’s victory in WWII," the Serbian MoD said in a statement.

"Minister Gasic thanked China for its continued international support to Serbia regarding the status of Kosovo-Metohija, in the context of the unilaterally declared independence of a part of Serbia’s territory, which is an act contrary to international law, existing agreements, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

During the meeting, he said that the dialogue focuses on strengthening military-economic, military-technical, military-educational, and military-medical cooperation. He added that defence cooperation has been growing steadily and that the acquisition of weapons and military equipment from China has significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces.

The meeting also underscored that the cooperation between the two countries’ militaries has been further strengthened through joint training of special forces from the Serbian Armed Forces and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. With the aim of further deepening military-to-military cooperation, the two sides explored opportunities for undertaking joint activities aimed at improving capabilities.

Minister Gasic also emphasised the importance of the Chinese delegation’s attendance at the Power of Unity military parade and the Partner 2025 Defence Exhibition, noting that these events offered an opportunity to establish and develop cooperation in concrete areas. He expressed confidence that Serbia and China will continue to strengthen defence cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The Chinese Minister of National Defense, Admiral Jun, said that today’s meeting has reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Serbia and China, and that defence cooperation between the two countries is founded on mutual respect and understanding, which further strengthens the overall relations between the two countries’ armed forces and peoples," the statement said.