Assistant Defence Minister for Defence Policy attends SEDM meeting

The Assistant Minister for Defence Policy, Petar Mihatov attended the South eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) held in Baturni, Georgia on 10 and 11 October 2017 , on behalf of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia.

It was the first meeting of the Initiative during the Greek chairmanship. The aim of the SEDM is to promote security and defence dialogue in SE Europe and to provide support to the euroatlantic integration of the aspirant countries in the region.

The participants, chaired by the Defence Minister of Georgia Levan Izorio pledged support to continued development and expansion of theongoing SEDM projects and its military component – the Multinational Land Brigade (SEEBRIIG). Moreover, the meeting featured a discussion on the current security challenges faced by southeast Europe and the Black Sea Region, with the emphasis on the migrant crisis, terrorism and the radical Islam groups.

The defence ministers and head s of delegations achieved a consesus on the need to peacefully resolution oif open issues, with full respect to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

The participants also praised Georgia’s contribution to the international security and stability, particularly through the engagement in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan with more than 800 troops.

On the margins of the SEDM Assistant Minister Mihatov held bilateral meetings with the representatives of Albania, Montenegro, Georgia and Macedonia, to discuss the priotiry security and defence topics of common interest.