At the sitting held on 6 October, the Committee on Defense and Security completed a discussion in principle on the Proposal of the Decision on the Adoption of the Strategy of National Security of the Republic of Serbia and the Proposal of the Decision on the Adoption of the Defense Strategy of the Republic of Serbia, as well as six defense and security Bills: Bill amending and modifying the Defense Law and the Law on the Serbian Military, Bill on Military, Labour and Material Duty, Bill on Civil Service, Bill on the Participation of the Serbian Army and other defense forces in multinational operations outside the borders of the Republic of Serbia and Bill on the Military Security Agency and the Military Intelligence Agency.

In his opening address, Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac stated that the proposed strategies significantly reform Serbia’s system of defense and security so as to ensure protection of vital national interests of the state and its citizens. Under these strategically important documents Serbia should strengthen and develop its capacities, modernise and professionalise its Military.

Minister Sutanovac emphasised that it is in Serbia’s interest to take active part in international institutions and organisations in line with its determination to contribute to common democratic values and fortify regional and global security.

Sutanovac also stated that the unilaterally and illegitimately declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija is a major threat to Serbia.

The Committee members endorsed the decision proposals on the adoption of the two strategies and the set of six defense bills, with some suggestions and comments, by a majority of votes.

The sitting was chaired by Dusan Bajatovic, Committee Deputy Chairman.