Gasic receives Congolese FM

BELGRADE - Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic received the Republic of Congo's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, Jean Claude Gakosso, in Belgrade on Tuesday to discuss the significance of dialogue on defence cooperation and advancement of overall bilateral relations.

Extending a cordial welcome to Gakosso, Gasic said he was pleased they were meeting for the first time, the Serbian MoD said in a statement.

Gasic said Serbia was very grateful for the Republic of Congo's principled and consistent position of non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo as well as for its support for Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said Serbia remained committed to military neutrality but continued to develop and advance its relations with other countries and military-political alliances in line with its own interests with a view to strengthening global, regional and national security.

The parties agreed their countries had potential to establish cooperation in the defence sector and said that would help to develop overall bilateral relations.

Gakosso thanked Gasic for the meeting and the opportunity to discuss important topics of mutual interest.