BELGRADE, April 10. /TASS/. The policy of Serbia’s military neutrality remains unchanged and the preliminary agreement on procurement of 12 Rafale jets from France meets Serbia’s national interests, the Serbian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
"The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Serbia, as well as a significant number of our citizens received the news that President and Commander-in-Chief of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic reached an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron on procurement of 12 Dassault Rafale multirole jet planes with joy. This is one of the most modern aircraft of this type in the world, and its commissioning to the Air Force and Air Defense Forces will ensure a long-term protection of the Serbian airspace and will contribute to the comprehensive security of our country and people," the Ministry said.
"Therefore we believe that the claims, put forth in the public discourse, that this procurement allegedly constitutes a violation of Serbia’s military neutrality are extremely ungrounded and untenable, and the only reason for such public outbursts are an attempt to create an artificial publicity and to confuse the public," the Ministry said.
"The stated military neutrality of our country means, first and foremost, Serbia’s determination not to join any existing military alliance and to take all decision regarding its defense independently, and to bear full responsibility for them," the Ministry underscored, adding that this contact with the French is a display of a state, patriotic and professional responsibility for the defense of the country and the security of the people.
During his visit in Paris on April 8 and 9, Vucic underscored that the cooperation with France is extremely important to ensure Serbia’s defense capabilities. According to the president, he had substantial negotiations with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, discussing the cooperation between the two defense ministries, the joint operation of military-industrial complex enterprises and an option for "procurement of the most advanced weapons and means of defense."
Previously, Vucic underscored that Serbia is interested in strengthening the defense capabilities of its armed forces and procurement of weapons, including from Russia and China, but its choice is limited. The president justified the agreement with France on procurement of 12 Rafale jet planes by the current geopolitical situation.