Visit of H.E. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker to the Mine Action Centre
His Excellency Matthew Whitaker, Ambassador of the United States of America to NATO, visited the Innovation and Education Park of the Mine Action Centre of the Republic of Serbia.
On that occasion, H.E. Matthew Whitaker met with Mr. Bojan Glamoclija, Director of the Mine Action Centre, Mr. Milorad Veljović, Envoy of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Advisor to the President of the Republic of Serbia on Security Affairs, and Mr. Alexander Titolo, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United States in Belgrade.
The visit programme included a tour of the capacities of the Innovation and Education Park of the Mine Action Centre, followed by a presentation of demining equipment and assets, organized in cooperation with companies engaged in humanitarian demining operations in Serbia (“Millennium Team,” “PMC Engineering,” “Aqua Mont Service,” “Big Blue Montenegro” – Podgorica, Montenegro, the Mine Action NGO “Stop Mines” – Pale, Republika Srpska, and the NGO “IN Demining” – Pale, Republika Srpska).
In addition, a domestic demining company, in coordination with representatives of the Mine Action Centre, conducted a field-based demonstration simulating real operational conditions.
The Government of the United States of America, through continuous financial contributions, provides sustained support to projects aimed at the clearance of explosive remnants of war, as well as to the strengthening of national capacities through the provision of essential equipment for field operations.
U.S. support in the field of mine action has a multifaceted impact. In addition to immediate outcomes, such as cleared land, it also generates long-term benefits reflected in the creation of conditions conducive to accelerated economic development in previously contaminated municipalities, thereby enabling citizens to improve their livelihoods and overall quality of life.
Mr. Bojan Glamoclija, Director of the Mine Action Centre, emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that it reaffirms a strong and longstanding partnership, while also providing encouragement for the development of new joint initiatives in the field of mine action.
On this occasion, appreciation was expressed to the Government of the United States for its continuous support as an international partner of the Mine Action Centre, spanning more than two decades and bearing lasting importance for the enhancement of safety and the quality of life of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
