Politics

UK And Serbia Agree To Increase Defence Cooperation

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace meets with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade where they discussed enhanced defence cooperation (Picture: MOD).

The Defence Secretary has agreed to enhanced defence co-operation with Serbia, during a visit to the country.

Ben Wallace met the country's president and his counterpart in the Serbian capital of Belgrade and agreed to step up collective defence efforts in order to enhance security in the region and respond to common threats.

Mr Wallace also opened a memorial to mark the courage of those who helped 2,400 British and allied airmen who were trapped behind enemy lines in the Second World War.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace opens a memorial commemorating the bravery of Serbian locals who helped allied airmen escape Nazi occupiers in 1944 (Picture: MOD). — Defence Secretary Ben Wallace opens a memorial commemorating the bravery of locals who helped allied airmen escape Nazi occupiers in 1944 (Picture: MOD).

Local villagers and troops built a secret airstrip to help them get away from Nazi occupiers in 1944.

The Ministry of Defence said: "The UK is committed to working with partners to protect Western Balkans security."

The UK this week underlined its commitment to the Western Balkans and the NATO mission in Kosovo, agreeing to continue contributing to the mission until at least 2023.

Cover image: Defence Secretary Ben Wallace meets with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade (Picture: MOD).