He reminded that the Balkan Committee is a unique initiative that is not only known for gathering professionals in their call discussing the most current topics, but also for further strengthening of the foundation of the Balkan countries’ military-medical cooperation.

- Members of the military healthcare service of the Republic of Serbia have gained great experience so far through participation in various humanitarian activities, during joint medical engagements, military-medical exercises, in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the United Nations and the European Union, but unfortunately and frequent wars in these areas. Throughout the 178 years that we have marked this year, the Serbian military medical service has gained a great reputation among the people. The Congress which is before us is part of cherishing this long tradition and remembering numerous generations of dedicated medical personnel - said Colonel Dr. Jovicic in his address.

Dr Ugljesa Jovicic, the Acting Head of the Military Healthcare Department of the Ministry of Defence, spoke also about the thematic areas that would be dealt with by experts and scientists from six countries this year. They will present current approaches in surgery, internal medicine, prevention and diagnostics, as well as psychiatry and experimental medicine. During the meeting, three round tables will be organized - about the solid organs and stem cells transplantation, novels in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, as well as military medicine in peacekeeping operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Prof. Dr. Boban Djordjevic addressed the participants on behalf of the National Board of the Balkan Military Medical Committee and wished participants a successful work during the Congress. He especially greeted the present representatives of IMIHO (Interconnection of Military Hospitals) and pointed out that these congresses are from a professional point of view a perfect opportunity to share valuable experiences from specific branches of medicine, but also equally important for gaining important friendships and contact.

According to him, the details of this year's Congress - with leading topics in the field of surgery, internal and preventive medicine, along with inevitable roundtables - were announced at the pre-congressional meeting in Romania. As the Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Djordjevic pointed out, this year's Congress will also deal with one of the most current topics in the region - the experience of military doctors during the engagement in peacekeeping operation while the professional program will be enriched by the participation of young military doctors.

- We are especially proud of the participation of young military doctors and with a great reason we emphasize that this year the ninth class of cadets enrolled in the basic studies of medicine at the Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, the University of Defence. A demanding path is awaiting future military doctors, and events like this are an exceptional opportunity to develop the continuity of scientific research at the beginning of their career - said Lieutenant Colonel Prof. Dr. Djordjevic.

After Dr. Djordjevic, the heads of delegations of the participating countries addressed the participants and a cultural program was performed.

The Congress of the Balkan Military Medical Committee is held every year in another country, and Serbia hosted and gained valuable experience in organizing the 17th Congress. At this year's Congress, traditional awards for the best oral and poster presentation will be awarded, and the 41st post-congressional meeting of heads of military-medical services will be an opportunity to define further steps in improving regional military medical cooperation.