City Hall of Kruševac hosted a reception for the participants of the International Civilian – Military Cooperation Course, realized by the units of the Armed Forces of Serbia.
The main topic was the cooperation between the City Officials and the Serbian military, and reception was hosted by Deputy Mayor Snežana Radojković.
Deputy Radojković greeted the present instructors and course participants, highlighting the exceptionally good cooperation between the City of Kruševac, Serbian Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Defense, the cooperation that is realized through offering help to the citizens in emergency situations, active participation in various drills, and in providing assisstance in organizing city events.
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Dear course participants and course instructors, dear representatives of Militaries of Kingdom of Holland, Italy, United States of America, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan, welcome all to Kruševac.
Kruševac is a city that deeply respects Military Armed Forces, and understands the serious need to develop army staff and personnel.
We will never lack respect and dedication for the military, as Kruševac has always put an effort and given its utmost to help and cooperate with the different branches of the Serbian Armed Forces. We are proud of our cooperation with different units, such as (CBRN) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Defense battalion, Infantry Unit, J-9 Civilian – Military Cooperation department, CBRN Center and Rasina Brigade Command, Military Training Command and the Ministry of Defense Center in Kruševac.
It is important to acknowledge the priceless support and cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia and Minister Bratislav Gašić.
Minister Gašić showed incredible dedication to the military of Serbia, and brought the cooperation between the City of Kruševac and Serbian Armed Forces to another level during his term as the Mayor of Kruševac.
He has still continued supporting through various activities between his Ministry and the City of Kruševac, such as giving Ministry of Defense land lots for different important-to-city intrastructure to be built on, another lot for building a hospital specialized in treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic, and a lot for a Prince Lazar Church to be built near the „Prince Lazar“ Military Barracks in Kruševac.
In addition, I have to mention that within a Ministry of Defense Plan, an existing and old veteran facility in Kruševac will be rebuilt and repurposed into a new and multifunctional facility.
We will always cooperate with the Ministry of Defense to the best of our abilities, cultivating our already excellent relationship, but at the same time, find common ground and fields of possible cooperation, such as fields of science and technology.
Of course, City always provides support in other aspects and fields of military cooperation. We are proud of our contribution and assisstance in organizing two military parades, and our continuous support in the army-related industry in Kruševac, which contributes not only to the overall defense but also in providing jobs to our citizens.
As we rely on our military, especially during the chemical – biological accidents, potable water issues, and other dificult moments and situations, they know they could always rely on us, as well. Our activities in securing stable infrastructure in the military facilities, joint organization of state and city holidays, everything is a reciprocal cooperation and admiration.
We will always strive for developing the City and the companies and institutions founded by Kruševac through the implementation of activities and measures related to emergency situations and defense planning, all in accordance with the Serbian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defense.
We believe and rely on military, because they believe and rely on us. That collaboration will never be toppled, only further built upon, developed and broadened”.
Frigate Captain Zoran Dukanac talked more about the course: there were 28 participants hailing from Republic of Serbia, Kingdom of Holland, Italy, USA, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan. It lasted 10 days, consisting from theoretical and practical segments. Members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emergency Situations Sector of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Refugee Commisariat, Red Cross, Faculties of Political Sciences and Security Studies, et al, took part in its realization.
“It is my pleasure to be here in this hall for the fifth time, and especially glad that there are representatives of civilian organization sitting here today. I want to express gratitude for the contribution of the City of Kruševac in the realization of this course, as this is like a second home to us now. Thank you for the warm welcome, and here’s to hoping for a good lecture about the cooperation between the City and memebers of the Serbian Armed Forces”.
The envoy of the Kingdom of Holland Military, Military Atache Lieutenant Colonel Jurgen Schutten addressed the present participants:
“Thank you for this opportunity and warm welcome. You have shown incredible hospitality. It is remarkable being here and seeing new faces and new professionalism in old and familiar faces, it is as if I have met my old best friends. The regional and international cooperation is of utmost importance, as well as sharing knowledge with all course members, in order to increase the cooperation efficacy.
I would also like to end my speech by saying that a bridge is the symbol of civilian – military cooperation. So is a handshake, which is what I would like to do now with you, by the old military tradition”.
After the speech and exchange of gifts, a presentation regarding the topic of the course was held, after which a visit to the famous Mosaic Hall was organized for the guests.
