DPM Lukšić, Serbian state officilas, discuss joint EU initiatives, improvement of standard of living

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Belgrade, Serbia (31 May 2013) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić paid Thursday an official visit to Serbia, where he met with top officials of the state.

President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić said that he is sincerely looking forward to upgrading cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the areas of economy and culture.

“I wish that our cultures and economies intertwine in the best interest of the citizens of our states,” he said.

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The meeting between DPM Lukšić and Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić concluded that Montenegro and Serbia cherish close relationship and that the two governments should join their efforts towards pursuing concrete policies and projects.

“Serbia is committed to developing the best possible relations with Montenegro. Serbia and Montenegro will be stronger if we work together in all areas significant for further integration path and advancement of standard of living of our citizens,” the Serbian Prime Minister highlighted.

In that regard, the two officials reiterated the two prime ministers’ initiatives from the recent Budva summit regarding joint meetings of the governments that would intensify the relations at the operational level. They agreed it is necessary to boost cooperation in terms of common use and modernisation of the existing infrastructural projects, through the collaboration of the business associations, promotion of the intergovernmental commission for economic and trade cooperation and through joint performance towards third markets.

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Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić emphasised that the close relations between the two friendly neighbouring countries should be transformed into concrete economic initiatives and projects.

“This visit, as well, is a confirmation of good relations and an opportunity for upgrading political dialogue. Stronger and more prosperous Serbia means stronger Montenegro and vice versa, and we are looking forward to Montenegro’s success in the accession process,” DPM Vučić said.

The two deputy prime ministers also discussed different cooperation mechanisms aimed at advancing cooperation in the areas of energy supply, telecommunications and infrastructure.

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Foreign Minister Igor Lukšić also met in Belgrade with his Serbian counterpart Ivan Mrkić for talks on new regional initiatives. Montenegro and Serbia are leaders in the EU accession process in the regions, they need to continue to foster intensive political dialogue and to promote further progress not only of the two countries, but of all the countries of the region as well, the two heads of diplomacy agreed.

Deputy Prime Minister Igor Lukšić voiced in Belgrade Montenegro’s full support for Serbia’s EU bid, whose success contributes to the overall progress of the region. He expects Serbia to take soon an important step towards the opening of the accession talks.

“The opening of the accession negotiations would be very important not only for the citizens of Serbia. It would make a significant contribution to the overall development and stability of the region," DPM Lukšić concluded.