Vucevic: The biggest challenge in 2023 is preserving peace and freedom, without humiliating Serbia

The biggest challenges in 2023 will be to preserve peace, freedom and our people in Kosovo and Metohija, the whole of Serbia, without anyone humiliating us, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Milos Vucevic.

In an interview with Tanjug, Vucevic emphasized that it was important not to be in the same position as in an earlier period, but to have dignity and attitude as a country.

"The plans for 2023 are to continue to strengthen the Serbian Armed Forces in 2023, strengthen defense capacities, economically strengthen and reorganize the dedicated industry, so that it is profitable and brings a plus in the state budget to GDP, to have a strong export component," he explained. 

He pointed out that the plan was to change the environment in the army, as well as to return it to its appropriate position in society, so that the people who wore the uniforms of our army had the respect of all citizens, as could be seen in other countries. "They deserve it, because they are ready to give their lives for our freedom, because they vowed to the state and to all of us. That we appreciate and respect that, and not that we remember them only when it's difficult, but that that relationship of respect is constant," said Vucevic.

He said that he would like the Serbian Army to be even more attractive to young people, men, but also girls.

"For our officers to be proud when they wear the uniform, for them to be honored to wear it. It is not a matter of legislative initiative, but of the general environment and an emotional relationship, not only a pragmatic economic relationship, but also a patriotic one. And of course that we preserve peace and freedom", pointed out Vucevic.