The officials discussed the mode of operation of the two countries’ security and defence services and agreed that it is very similar and that both countries face similar challenges such as the migrant crisis, combating terrorism and security sector reform.

MA Igor Becic said that, as far as foreign policy is concerned, cooperation between countries and international institutions is crucial for security at the state and global level and added that Serbia has a well-defined legislative framework for defence and security. The Committee Chairman said that the current budget has allocated considerable funds to equip and develop military capacities, stating that the Committee closely cooperates with the executive power and civil sector and fully supports the Serbian Government’s resourcing the military and police and raising military readiness.

Segakweng Naniso Tokana Tsiane explained that Botswana is attempting to reform its security sector but the opposition is challenging these efforts as it believes that the earmarked funds should be invested into military salaries and channeled into other areas such as infrastructure. Speaking of the migrant crisis, she also said that the Republic of Botswana, as a poorly populated state, is a desirable target destination for migrants from northern Arica, the Middle East and central Asia.

MA Igor Becic thanked the Republic of Botswana for its support of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and voting against Kosovo’s joining UNESCO, and ended the meeting with talks of closer cooperation between the two countries and reciprocal parliamentary visits.