Oct 19, 2010
Russia’s defense chief called Tuesday for the boosting of military ties with Serbia after a decade of decline between the two traditional allies.
Gen. Nikolai Makarov arrived on a two day visit, the first to the Balkan country by Russia’s army chief of staff in 10 years.
Russia’s historic ally Serbia has recently shifted its political and military priorities toward joining the European Union, and possibly NATO, despite strong opposition from nationalists in both countries.
Makarov called for enhancing military cooperation, especially by the modernization of the Serbian military, which is still predominantly armed with Soviet-era equipment.
“The military cooperation between our countries is not developing on a desired level and I think there is a large space for expansion in that field,” Makarov said.
Ties between Russia and Serbia have been unsteady since the ouster of former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic in 2000 by Serbia’s pro-Western officials.
October 19, 2010
Associated Press
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