Gasic: Serbia is significant exporter of security

BELGRADE - Increased participation of members of the Serbian Defence Ministry and Armed Forces in UN and EU peace missions around the world confirms that Serbia has become a significant exporter of security and equal partner in protecting global peace, Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic has said.

He visited the Serbian troops in the Central African Republic and met with EUFOR RCA commander Brigadier General Jean-Marc Bacquet and commander of the military component of MINUSCA Major General Martin Chomu Tumenta, the Defence Ministry stated on Sunday.

Gasic and Bacquet discussed the political and security situation in the Central African Republic, stressing that the efforts by international organisations would help stabilise the nation, resolve the conflict and keep peace.

Gasic underscored in particular the tradition, quality, skill and capabilities of the military medical personnel Serbia had sent into various international missions, adding that Serbia was the only country outside of the EU that was involved in the EU mission in Somalia, the statement says.

Gasic thanked Bacquet for good cooperation, professional treatment and support for the Serbian four-strong medical team. He visited also the camp of EU UCATEX, where he met with the Serbian medical team that is part of that mission.

Besides two military observers and two staff officers, there are 68 Serbian troops working as part of a level 2 military hospital, which is the largest Serbian contingent next to the UN Lebanon mission, the statement says.

Gasic met also with Tumenta and the MINUSCA headquarters to discuss Serbian troops involvement in that mission.

The number of women in peace mission has increased, he noted, adding that 23 women were part...