J. Joksimović and Mondoloni: Political and economic relations between Serbia and France are on the rise

January 17 2018 | Belgrade

J. Joksimović and Mondoloni: Political and economic relations between Serbia and France are on the rise

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović talked with the newly-appointed Ambassador of the French Republic Frédéric Mondoloni about bilateral relations between the two countries, the continuation of Serbia's accession to the EU, the reforms being implemented in this process, the situation in the region, and other current issues.

Joksimović thanked for the assistance and support that France has been providing to Serbia on its European path, stressing that the EU membership is a foreign policy goal of Serbia, but that it also represents an internal goal of the domestic development agenda, it has been announced after the meeting.

The Minister highlighted the importance of having a clear perspective about the accession, and in this context she stressed the importance of the statement by EC President Jean-Claude Juncker about Serbia and Montenegro as leaders in the process of European integration.

Speaking about the forthcoming EU Enlargement Strategy, she pointed out the importance of evaluating individual successes and the results achieved in reforms of all aspirants for EU membership, believing that Serbia's progress would be recognized and valued. Minister Joksimović also expressed her expectation that a clearer framework, which Jean-Claude Juncker talked about, would be a part of the EU Enlargement Strategy. 

Mondoloni praised the Government's resolve to carry out difficult reforms, as well as the overall success achieved thus far on the European integration path. He confirmed that France would continue to support Serbia's accession process, both in terms of experience and through concrete expert assistance. In addition, Mondoloni pointed out that our country proved to be an active and reliable partner of the EU. He noted that the image of Serbia in France and the EU has significantly improved, and that it is important to maintain it that way.

The interlocutors also talked about the unfortunate event of assassination of the Civic Initiative SDP leader Oliver Ivanović, and they agreed that it is necessary at this point to show a comprehensive and serious approach to this case. Joksimović underlined that she expected from the EU, as our important partner in preserving peace and stability, to show interest and to engage in resolution of this case.

They noted that the bilateral relations of the two countries were on the rise, particularly considering numerous French companies with strategic presence in Serbia. This is a good basis for intensifying visits at a high level. In this regard, they especially highlighted the importance of the future visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. 

The meeting also included the talks about the opportunity to reaffirm the partnership and friendship between Serbia and France during this year, on the centenary of the end of the First World War, and to restore the monument of gratitude to France on Kalemegdan, the statement read.

(Source: Tanjug)

Јадранка Јоксимовић и Фредерик Мондолони

Јадранка Јоксимовић и Фредерик Мондолони

Јадранка Јоксимовић и Фредерик Мондолони

 

Јадранка Јоксимовић и Фредерик Мондолони