Kruševac was visited by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, General-Colonel Zakir Hasanov with his associates. The reception was organized by the representatives of Kruševac: Mayor Ivan Manojlović, Deputy Mayor Snežana Radojković, Head of City Administration Vesna Anđelić, Mayor’s Aides Ana Prvanov, Nevena Plavšić, and Darko Andonov. The reception was held in the Mosaic Hall of the City Hall of Kruševac.
Mayor Manojlović introduced Minister Hasanov to the history, tradition, and specific details of the former medieval capital, in addition to certain details about the economic and social structure of our city, and the most important current and future projects in Kruševac.
Minister Hasanov had the opportunity to learn more about the story and art behind the Mosaic Hall, thanks to the Director of the National Museum in Kruševac Nikola Pantelić.
After the formal meet, Mayor Manojlović gave the visiting minister a model of the Monument to Kosovo Heroes as a gift.
After the reception, Minister Hasanov, together with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Serbia Bratislav Gašić took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Fallen Members of the Army, Police, and Army Reserves 1991 – 1999 in the “Slobodište” Memorial Complex. Ceremony was attended by Mayor Manojlović, Deputy Mayor Snežana Radojković and citizens.
Minister Gašić thanked Minister Hasanov for his visit, highlighting the honor of having a high representative of Azerbaijan partake in the ceremony, showing respect to the fallen Serbian members of defensive forces of Serbia. He stated that Azerbaijan was showing true friendship towards Serbia and that the defensive cooperation was at a high level, together with the overall cooperation between the two countries.
“Azerbaijan is a country that shows an honest and fulfilled friendship towards Serbia, and the two of us, as the Ministers of Defense, follow the path that our presidents have been building for years. I would like to especially focus on our pride, that is the T-55 tank who defended the Serbian borders, territorial independence and sovereignty on Kosovo and Metohija. We are proud of everything that our military did fighting for their people and country.
Our armed forces are rising from the ashes like a phoenix, and thanks to President Aleksandar Vučić, it is more equipped and capable every passing year, continuously. General knows our history exceptionally well, being similar to theirs, in some aspects. They have also endured difficult times, as we have, which is our common ground of understanding.”
Minister Hasanov confirmed these words of cooperation and understanding:
“You are well-aware of the excellent friendly relations between our two presidents, which increases the tempo of our cooperation in this particular field. We are constantly exchanging experience and knowledge, the Serbian military have combat experience as ours do, making that exchange important for further development. We cooperate in many important fields, especially in cyber security, e-operations and counter e-operations, drones… On Minister Gašić’s suggestion, we now have an amazing cooperation in the field of military education.”
Minister Hasanov concluded that Kruševac had left a positive impression on him, praising its cleanliness, greenery, and hospitality.
Responding to the media questions about the Memorial Complex, Minister Gašić stated that all activities on its arrangement are implemented through City of Kruševac and Ministry of Defense with the goal of maintaining the memory and paying respect to the victims who had given their lives for their homeland, as well as to keep the military and national history alive for future generations.
