BELGRADE, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Serbia celebrated the day of its armed forces on Monday, with officials estimating that the Serbian Army is turning into a respectable, modern one and announcing government's willingness to increase its funding.

The central ceremony in honor of the Army Day of Serbia was held in Belgrade in front of ministers, state and church officials, military personnel and some several thousand visitors, who were entertained by cultural program of choirs and military orchestra.

Defense minister Aleksandar Vulin said in a speech that Serbia is determined to continue improving military capacities and education facilities, as well as the living standard of its officers.

Earlier on Monday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a reception at the presidency building to mark the Army Day. He said in a speech that "the country will strive to have a modernly equipped soldier, and is ready to invest, but will also expect results".

He said that currently the country allocates around 600 million euros for its army, and that this will be increased in future, owing to the good economic results, while stressing that that country will demand fully prepared, responsible and serious soldiers.

"The military holiday is marked to strengthen the principle of patriotism, countering fascism and anti-Semitism, and to achieve understanding and cooperation, along with acknowledging all cultural differences in our country and the region for the sake of future and peace," he said.

Serbia observes the Army Day on April 23 to mark the beginning of the Second Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman empire in 1815 that led to the establishment of the Principality of Serbia in 1817. Enditem

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