Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has talked with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Portugal to Serbia Virginia Pina about the further activities of Serbia within the European integration and cooperation between the two countries in the continuation of the process of accession of our country to the EU, the reforms that are being implemented, the situation in the region, bilateral relations and other issues.
Jadranka Joksimović has thanked for the overall assistance whereby Portugal supports the European integration of Serbia, stressing that the EU membership represents the foreign policy priority of our country, which is affirmed by our commitment to implementing the reforms, which, as she has emphasized, is the best mechanism for the internal development of the country.
The Minister has particularly emphasized the reforms in the rule of law, economy and other areas - progress has also been noted in the European Commission's Report, and Serbia is generally satisfied by the Report and it will apply all the remarks that it considers to be founded.
Joksimović has also stated that Serbia is committed to the stability in the region, which is a precondition for development, cooperation and progress. She has reiterated that Belgrade is ready to continue the dialogue as soon as Priština abolishes its illegitimate decision to introduce taxes on goods from central Serbia. She has also stressed that Belgrade has fulfilled almost everything provided for under the Brussels Agreement, while Priština hadn't even fulfilled the most essential - to form the Community of Serb Municipalities, for six years.
In this context, Ambassador Pina has said that Portugal supports the Belgrade-Priština dialogue and insists on the implementation of the obligations assumed under the Brussels Agreement.
Virginia Pina has stressed that Portugal will continue to support the European integration of Serbia. She has said that Portugal's membership in the EU was the most important factor for the overall progress and transformation of society and the state. Pina has pointed out that Serbia is the backbone of European integration in the region, and that we have made significant progress on our path towards the EU membership. She has also specified that the accession process depends on the progress achieved in reforms - which should be more dynamic, but also that the EU should retain a credible enlargement policy.
Joksimović and Pina have agreed that the political relations between the two countries are good and stable, and that they should be followed by good economic relations, especially since there is mutual interest.
Source: Tanjug
