Bulgaria and Serbia aim for a new pragmatic approach to bilateral relations
13 March 2015 News
"Strengthening the good neighborly relations between Bulgaria and Serbia is the basis of the successful development of the bilateral cooperation. We should continue to work for deepening the pragmatic basis of our relations both in the bilateral and regional context, said Minister Daniel Mitov at today’s meeting in Belgrade with OSCE Chairman and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Ivica Dačić.
Daniel Mitov and Ivica Dačić discussed bilateral issues related to the implementation of joint energy and transport projects, and opportunities for expanding the economic cooperation. They discussed the possibility of holding a joint meeting between the governments of Bulgaria and Serbia.
Among the main topics of discussion was the situation of the Bulgarian national minority in Serbia. Both diplomats reaffirmed their countries' mutual desire to work together for the quick solution of the Bulgarian minority's problems in Serbia, particularly in the sphere of education and media in Bulgarian language.
Minister Ivica Dačić acquainted the Bulgarian Minister with the priority tasks of Serbia's OSCE Chairmanship for 2015. He outlined as key targets achieving progress in the regulation of the Ukraine conflict, as well as strengthening the stability and security in the Western Balkans.
Minister Daniel Mitov confirmed that Bulgaria will provide Serbia with the necessary assistance and support for achieving these targets, which are also of particular importance to our country. He expressed Bulgaria's position that the implementation of the Minsk agreement will help find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Ukraine. Minister Mitov underscored the EU's readiness to support the increase of the capacity and staff of the OSCE mission in Eastern Ukraine.
Minister Mitov also said that the European integration is a historical chance for the transformation of the Balkans into an area of security with real opportunities and prospects for sustainable economic development. In this context, “Bulgaria will continue to support the European path of Serbia in its aspiration for joining the European family, and is ready to share relevant experience and expertise”, he added.
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