Belgrade, October 25 (MTI) - The Hungarian and Serbian armed forces are resolved to strengthen cooperation under an agreement to be signed by the defence ministers next year, chief of staff Andras Havril said on Thursday after meeting his Serbian counterpart Zdravko Ponos.

Havril said the two countries were maintaining close relations through annual meetings between the chiefs of staff. Opportunities are sought to foster cooperation and establish firm trust between Hungarian and Serbian soldiers, Harvil said. This can form the basis of potential joint efforts in catastrophe situations and the fight against terrorism, he added.

Serbia has expressed strong interest in Hungarian experiences in NATO membership, modernisation of the armed forces and the change from a compulsory to a voluntary army, Havril said.

Ponos said he had agreed with Havril that a joint flood defence exercise would be held in 2009.