Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has received in a farewell visit the Ambassador of Portugal, Augusto José Pestana Saraiva Peixoto. They have discussed Serbia’s European integration, bilateral relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and the EU, and other topics.
The Minister has thanked Portugal for the overall assistance and support it has been providing to Serbia on its path to full EU membership. She has informed the Ambassador about Serbia's plans in the accession process, stressing that Serbia is technically prepared for the opening of several chapters, expecting to open some of them during the Romanian EU Council presidency.
Jadranka Joksimović has stressed that Serbia expects that a credible EU enlargement policy will retain an important place in the EU policy even after the holding of European Parliament elections. She has clarified that Serbia does not expect to be admitted to the EU tomorrow, but that the most optimistic deadline, which is 2025, will remain credible, if everyone - both the EU and Serbia as a candidate - fulfils their part of the job.
Regarding the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, the Minister of European Integration has stressed that Pristina's unilateral decision to introduce taxes on goods from central Serbia does not serve finding a sustainable solution, adding that the dialogue will continue when these taxes are abolished. She has pointed out that Serbia advocates the stability of the region, and that others should also take such a position.
Ambassador Augusto José Pestana Saraiva Peixoto has confirmed that Portugal will continue to support the European integration process of Serbia, which, according to him, is a significant and reliable partner of the EU and an important segment of regional stability.
Minister Jadranka Joksimović has thanked Ambassador Saraiva for his cooperation and wished him success in future work.
The interlocutors have assessed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are good and that there is mutual interest in their strengthening, adding that some of the open invitations extended to the officials of Portugal to visit Serbia will be realised during this year.
Source: Tanjug
