Ensuring security in the wider region and further strengthening ties between Greece and Serbia topped the agenda of talks in Belgrade between Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias with his Serb counterpart Bratislav Gašić.
Dendias visited Serbia on an official visit on Tuesday received by Serb President Aleksandar Vucic. The two officials discussed enhancing ties between the two countries and expanding cooperation in defence. Dendias also thanked Vucic for the fire-fighting support last summer.
Photo: Greek Defence Ministry/Eurokinissi
“Greece supports lasting peace and security through good neighborly relations, respect by all parties of rules-based international order and of the basic principles of international law ,” said Dendias, commenting on Greece’s position with regard to the Western Balkans.
He added that Greece supports the EU accession efforts of Western Balkan countries and welcomes “Serbia’s strategic choice to make its European Union path a priority”.
The minister reiterated Greece’s position regarding Kosovo, which, he said, remains stable. “Progress in dialogue is the only way to ensure stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.
Lastly, Dendias said there was scope for the two countries to cooperate in the area of defense. “We want to bring our defense ecosystems together,” he said, referring to the new Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation.
During his stay, Dendias also visited the Military Technical Institute of Serbia.
Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Vucic in Belgrade.
