Đurić: Serbia and Italy are building an ever stronger strategic partnership

The head of Serbian diplomacy, Marko Đurić, met today in Belgrade with the Chair of Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of the Italian Senate, Stefania Craxi, and said that cooperation with Italy contributed significantly to the economic development of our country and its accession to the European Union.

Recalling that Serbia and Italy were marking a significant anniversary this year - 145 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Minister Đurić pointed out that the two countries were fostering close and friendly ties, while continuously enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Đurić assessed that the cooperation between the two parliaments was not only a matter of ties between two institutions, but also the ties between the political systems and political classes of the two countries, thus further ensuring closest possible relations between our countries through future generations.

He said that the Serbian Government had adopted a reform agenda under which Serbia would by 2027 implement all necessary reforms to be ready for EU membership.

Speaking about Serbia's foreign policy, the Serbian Foreign Minister said that our country endeavoured to build and strengthen relations with as many countries as possible and seek friendships around the world.

The Minister thanked Italy for its contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the region through the engagement of Italian KFOR troops and, in particular, for the protection provided to the Visoki Dečani Monastery and for the preservation of other Serbian religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.

Emphasizing that this year Serbia and Italy were marking 15 years since the establishment of strategic partnership, Đurić noted that he was pleased that a joint session of the governments of the two countries would be held in the period ahead.