Serbia and Germany are important and reliable partners

July 05 2017 | Belgrade

Serbia and Germany are important and reliable partners

Minister of European Integration in the Government of the Republic of Serbia Jadranka Joksimović has spoken today with Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia Axel Dittmann on the relations between the two countries, the process of European integration and the reforms that are being implemented in the Republic of Serbia.

At the meeting that saw discussions on the situation in the region and other important topics, Joksimović expressed special thanks to Germany, as a strategic partner and the largest bilateral donor to Serbia, for the overall assistance and support in the European integration process.

Over the past 15 years, Germany has allocated EUR 1.6 billion in grants for various projects.

She stated that Serbia was unequivocally determined to continue the process of accession to the European Union, and that, in that sense, the Government saw European integration as the best mechanism for the development of the country.

The Minister and the Ambassador agreed that the reforms were an important segment of European integration, and that special attention should be paid to Chapters 23 and 24 related to the rule of law.

Joksimović recalled that, in the current accession stage, Serbia had opened 10 chapters, two of which had been provisionally closed, and expressed her expectation that during the Estonian presidency of the European Union − by the end of the year, Serbia would open several more chapters it would have been prepared for.

According to her, Serbia is committed to continuing the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and to the full implementation of the Brussels Agreement.

She stressed that the implementation of what had been agreed upon, especially in the context of establishing the Community of Serbian Municipalities, was much more important than the format of the talks, stating her belief that stability was a prerequisite for peace and development, and that Serbia was ready to cooperate with everyone in that regard.

However, Joksimović emphasised the need for others to behave the same, and to demonstrate in a clear and visible way that they shared the position of Belgrade.

Joksimović and Dittmann underlined the significance of the Western Balkans Summit on 12 July in Trieste, adding that they shared the view that the EU and its partners from the Western Balkans participating in the Summit should, once again, send a clear message on the importance and the need for regional stability and cooperation.

Ambassador Dittmann said that Germany provided clear support to Serbia in further accession process, convinced that Serbia deserved a place in the European Union.

He also stressed the importance of reforms, noting that Serbia was a reliable partner of the European Union.

Joksimović and Dittmann concluded that the relations between the two countries were good, as confirmed by the German investments in Serbia's economy, and that they were developing in a mutually satisfactory direction.

Ambassador Dittmann, the first highest diplomatic representative of an EU country in Serbia to have met with the Minister of European Integration, wished the Minister much success in her work and underlined the importance of the Ministry of European Integration.