Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has spoken with the members of the Slovak Parliament's European Affairs Committee about Serbia’s European integration process, the continuation of cooperation between the two countries in the said process, the reforms that are being implemented, the situation in the region, bilateral relations and other important topics.
Jadranka Joksimović has thanked Slovakia for the permanent and significant assistance it has been providing to Serbia in the accession process. She has said that EU membership is Serbia’s foreign policy priority and strategic commitment, adding that Serbia will continue with the accession process with utmost commitment to implementing the reforms.
In this regard, the Minister has stressed that Serbia is technically ready for the opening of several chapters, expecting some of them to be opened during the Romanian EU Council Presidency. According to her, this would confirm the credibility of enlargement.
The Minister of European Integration has also thanked Slovakia for its principled and consistent position of not recognising the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo. She has informed the members of the Committee about Serbia's need to find a viable solution for Kosovo and Metohija, and that the dialogue will continue when the decision on the introduction of taxes on goods from Central Serbia has been abolished. Joksimović has reiterated that Serbia is committed to cooperation in the region, as it is a precondition for progress, stability and development, and that others should follow these principles as well.
Slovak MPs have confirmed that Serbia is a key regional actor and an important strategic partner of the EU, adding that Serbia’s European integration should be accelerated. They have assessed that the reforms that are being implemented are showing effect, expressing their belief that they will intensify. They have added that Serbia has shown a constructive approach in its dialogue with Pristina, and that Belgrade has affirmed itself as a constructive partner of the EU. They have stressed that Bratislava supports the European integration of the region, which is, according to them, one of the priorities of its foreign policy. Slovak MPs have once again underlined their strong support to Serbia, and conveyed that Serbia can still count on their principled position in the future.
At the meeting, it has been concluded that relations between the two countries are at a high level, and that there is a mutual interest in their strengthening.
Source: Tanjug
