Obradovic, Jolevski urge experience-sharing, cooperation

BELGRADE - The chairperson of the Serbian parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior Affairs Marija Obradovic said during a meeting with Macedonian Defence Minister Zoran Jolevski that it is important for regional countries to act together in order to be able to respond to the challenges of protecting local population.

Obradovic briefed Jolevski on the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Committee on Defence and Interior Affairs, noting that the Ministry and the Committee are cooperating very closely.

Many more women are involved in the work of the Committee than before, she said, noting the significance of the participation of women in the security sector, which is also a recommendation of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Obradovic noted the necessity of the regional countries acting together to protect local population.

The Macedonian defence minister noted the significance of boosting the cooperation between the relevant committees of the two countries in terms of improving bilateral ties.

Cooperation must be improved in several fields - military medicine, education of future officers and joint protection from natural disasters, he said.

Experience-sharing in the field of defence and security is very significant for the Republic of Macedonia, in particular considering Serbia's vast experience in peacekeeping missions, Jolevski said.

Any progress that Serbia makes in the talks with the EU has a positive impact on the countries of the region, the Macedonian minister also noted.