2 minutes agoRussian Defence Ministry Towards Opening Office in Serbia, according to Reuters
Periskopi(6 years ago)
(6 years ago)Russia has authorised its defence ministry to open an office in Serbia, Reuters news agency reportedly in a Russian Government document. “Moscow tries to expand its military ties with the traditional ally in the Balkans, even when Belgrade wants to join the European Union”. Balkan Radio Service [...]
“Moscow tries to expand its military ties with the traditional ally in the Balkans, even when Belgrade wants to join the European Union”.
The Balkan Radio Free Europe Service has asked the Ministry of Defence in Serbia to confirm this information.
Last month, Serbia has suspended military exercises with foreign armies for six months, saying there has been pressure from the EU to withdraw from joint exercises with Russia and Belarus.
The Russian Government's order to open the office in Serbia dates from October 15th and is signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Misustin, Reuters writes.
It says the chief of the proposed office will help resolve military and technical issues in terms of Russian-Serbian co-operation.
The agreement, after being signed by both sides, will give a Russian official in Serbia the right to visit Serbian divisions using Russian weapons and military equipment, provided they are announced in advance and give their consent.
According to Reuters, there are still no comments from the Serbian Defence Ministry.
In recent years, Serbia has purchased MiG-29 fighter planes from Russia, as well as helicopters, tanks and armoured carriers.
