On 18 June 2026, Deputy Director of RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović, participated in the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) Deputy Chiefs of Defence (DCHODs) Meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, engaging in discussions on the continued advancement of the SEDM process, ongoing projects, and progress made since the previous meeting in Bulgaria in June last year.
RADM Stipanović expressed gratitude to Georgia and the SEDM Secretariat for organizing the event, commended the distinguished chairmanship of the meeting, and reaffirmed RACVIAC commitment to serving as a trusted platform for dialogue, cooperation on security matters in Southeast Europe.
He noted last year’s celebration of RACVIAC’s 25th anniversary, a significant milestone for the Centre, and briefed participants on important developments, including the upgrade of the Republic of Moldova’s status to that of the 15th Associate Member and the growing efforts of key stakeholders to strengthen the Centre’s own capacities, ensuring that it remains one of the key anchors of regional cooperation in the years to come.
RACVIAC Deputy Director remarked that RACVIAC had successfully implemented its Programme of Activities in 2025 and informed participants that this year Centre is organizing 21 activity. He also underlined the importance of the new RACVIAC Strategy 2027–2032, noting that it provides the strategic framework for the future planning and implementation of the Programme of Activities and further strengthens RACVIAC role as a regional hub for cooperative security.
RADM Stipanović stated that SEDM and RACVIAC share common objectives in promoting security and stability in Southeast Europe and beyond, highlighting the value of regional ownership, dialogue, and practical cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. He noted that there is significant potential to further strengthen cooperation within SEDM and reaffirmed RACVIAC commitment to continued cooperation with its Members and partners in promoting a more secure, stable, and peaceful future.
The meeting brought together Deputy Chiefs of Defence from SEDM nations, alongside representatives of regional and international organizations, and served as a platform for strengthening constructive regional dialogue and advancing multilateral cooperation on pressing security and defence issues.
The Joint Statement of the SEDM Deputy Chiefs of Defence Meeting recognized RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation among the key regional organizations contributing to security dialogue and cooperation in South East Europe, reaffirming the Centre’s role as an important platform for promoting regional stability, confidence-building, and collaborative security efforts.
Photo: mod.gov.rs
#SEDM DCHoD #Predrag Stipanović #Joint Statement
