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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Strong support of Sweden, Finland to Serbia’s path to EU

Belgrade, 10 October 2017

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic expressed gratitude today to Sweden and Finland for their support to Serbia on its path towards the EU and added that these two countries support EU enlargement process.

From left: Margot Walstrom, Timo Soini and Ivica Dacic

Author: Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dacic said at a joint press conference after the meeting with ministers of foreign affairs of Sweden and Finland Margot Walstrom and Timo Soini respectively that the topics of the meeting were the situation in the region, improvement of economic cooperation and overall relations. He underlined that the Serbian side agreed with the ministers of Sweden and Finland to work on the improvement of relations and added that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, informed them about all the specifics of the region and the efforts that Serbia is investing in peace and stability.

The First Deputy Prime Minister presented to the ministers the priorities of Serbia, including EU membership and regional stability, adding that he would like to see some of the topics that are being put on the agenda, such as the migrant crisis and terrorism.

Dacic reiterated that Serbia will give its contribution through humane treatment of migrants.

Today in Serbia there are about three to four thousand migrants. We are dealing with that situation, but we cannot withstand the burden of a bigger inflow, to become a parking lot for them if others, let’s say Hungary or Croatia close their borders to migrants, Dacic said.

Noting that Sweden is the leading country in terms of aid to Serbia, he stated that Serbia has received more than €250 million from Sweden for various purposes.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said that the foreign trade with Sweden is slightly higher than €200 million, and with Finland about €100 million and pointed out that there is room to increase trade.

Swedish and Finnish foreign ministers Margot Walstrom and Timo Soini said that Sweden and Finland strongly support the European perspective of Serbia.

Soini stressed that a joint visit to Serbia with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden is an indication that neighbours can cooperate and have good relations, but also of an important diplomatic message of how much they support Serbia.

He also said that Sweden wants to encourage this region, which had a dramatic history, to create stability and cooperation.

This will provide employment for young people and a better future for all, Soini said.

He pointed out that in solving problems dialogue is important, even with those with whom you do not have the best of relations.

But the region now has potential for investments despite all these problems, he said and added that he will send that message to his country.

Walstrom agreed with the words of her Finnish counterpart that their common road is an example of how neighbouring countries should cooperate.

Since IKEA has arrived in Serbia, it was possible to see how important the partners are for achieving success, she said and added that neighbouring countries should also be seen in that way - as partners, with whom it is easier to be successful, Walstrom said.

She stated that her country supports Serbia on its path to the EU and that it will do everything to help it on that road.

That will be motivation for young people here. The young should be involved in the talks in the region, she underlined.

Walstrom said that Serbia has an important role in the region and that Sweden supports and respects that role.

We will continue to be your friends you can trust, Walstrom concluded.