Chișinău: Ambassador Tomašević gives an interview to the Noi.md portal

Ambassador Tomašević emphasised that Serbia and Moldova had traditionally good and friendly relations, characterised by principled positions as regards observance of international law and territorial integrity of the two countries, which had always supported each other in international organisations.

“There are many areas with a potential to improve cooperation between our countries, particularly with respect to economic cooperation. The value and volume of trade are certainly not adequately high, and we are striving to increase them, as well as to increase direct investments on both sides”, stated Tomašević.

“During my recent visit to Moldova, I met with President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova Sergiu Harea. We jointly supported a long-awaited new meeting between our two Chambers of Commerce, update of the applicable Cooperation Protocol, and participation of economic delegations in fairs in Serbia and Moldova”, said Tomašević.

During this visit, Ambassador Tomašević also launched the initiative that the first upcoming high-level or highest-level visit should be accompanied by a business forum, which would enable connections between manufacturers and businesspeople and connections between the two markets.

Answering questions concerning the military neutrality policy of the Republic of Serbia, in context of the fact that it is surrounded by NATO member countries, as well as the price it needs to pay for preserving its independence and freedom, Ambassador Tomašević stressed that military neutrality was the most difficult and costly choice in every regard, but also the highest level of independence and responsibility towards its citizens that a country may have. Neutrality comes from being certain of the strength and ability of its own armed forces, from historical circumstances and a deep awareness and self-awareness, and the geostrategic position of Serbia. Nevertheless, in its foreign policy, Serbia is committed to and strives towards the goal of becoming a Member State of the European Union, to which it belongs geographically, historically, ideologically and culturally. He added that Serbia strove to live at peace with its neighbours, whichever military alliance they may belong to, and foster all that connects the neighbouring countries, instead of the things that may divide them.

Ambassador Tomašević emphasised that the Serbian people loved freedom, and had paid a high price for this ultimate ideal many times throughout history. “Generations of Serbs grew up looking up to heroes from their immediate neighbourhood who had fought throughout history for freedom not only of Serbia, but also the entire Europe.” He highlighted the fact that Serbia lost a third of its population just in World War One.

“National unity is crucial when you are facing dangers, and the main characteristic of the Serbian people is that it is always unified when it is facing great challenges and threats, such as those endangering the independence, integrity and freedom of our country”, added Ambassador Tomašević.

Ambassador Tomašević said that several bilateral agreements were being reconciled and were expected to be signed during one of the subsequent visits, after internal procedures had been completed. They included Police Cooperation Agreement and Agreement on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments, which would certainly contribute to enrichment of the regulatory framework and considerable improvement of cooperation in these key areas.

He highlighted the fact that he had recently already visited Chișinău, and that this was his second visit of the year.

“As always, the spirit of Moldova’s capital and the hospitality of the hosts make me feel at home. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to meet with President of Moldova Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, President of the Parliament Igor Grosu, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova Sergiu Harea, Rector of the State University in Chișinău Igor Șarov, and my colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. I am convinced that we will implement many joint projects in the future. I will mention one of them, in the field of culture, namely, the promotion of a book of short stories by the Serbian Nobel Prize winning author Ivo Andrić, translated into Romanian, published by the publishing house Cartier, to be held in Chișinău.”

Ambassador Tomašević added that one of the subjects discussed during his visit was the promotion of the tourism potential of Serbia and Moldova, with the goal of increasing the number of visits, which, in addition to helping the two nations get to know each other better, also enables connections between businesspeople and creates opportunities for new forms of commercial practice.

He also emphasised that he would be very pleased to provide full support for organising promotional events dedicated to the tourism potential of Serbia and Moldova, which would occur as soon as possible, and would be accompanied by appropriate promotions of good wines, the pride and joy of both countries.

As regards the results of his visit to Chișinău, Ambassador Tomašević stressed that he was certain that they would soon become visible in the improvement of all forms of bilateral cooperation: from political cooperation, through an increased number of high-level and highest-level visits, development of sectoral cooperation and a number of new agreements, through parliamentary cooperation, with exchanges of visits by members of parliamentary friendship groups as well as speakers of the parliaments, to cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science, economy and sports.

Asked about the fact that Serbia was an increasingly popular destination for tourists from Moldova, Ambassador Tomašević said that Serbia was full of beautiful natural sights. Mountains, rivers, lakes, as well as many festivals throughout the country, help tourists find a perfect blend of hospitality, beautiful landscapes, entertainment, sports, and cultural events which enrich the tourism offer. Solid infrastructure contributes to better connectivity and accessibility of tourist attractions throughout the country, while Serbian cuisine particularly attracts new tourists as well as tourists who have already visited Serbia but want to come back.

“I wish good health to the brotherly Moldovan people, and to always remain in good spirits, with a lot of love for their motherland, as well for their true old friends. I wish them European future and prosperity, which will make them decide to remain in their own country with their families, in order to help its further development”, was the message of Ambassador Tomašević to the citizens of Moldova.