Dacic said that the two states should try and find a common interest even when they do not think the same, and pointed out that Serbia is aware that some issues are serious and difficult and that they cannot be solved in a short period of time, but that he recognises the need and room for the improvement of relations.
That is possible only through normalisation of the general political narrative and dialogue, Dacic underlined at the reception, which was also attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.
The First Deputy Prime Minister said that his presence in Zagreb, apart from sending a message of care for Serbs in Croatia, also speaks about the need for conversation and redefinition of relations between Belgrade and Zagreb.
We don't think alike, but we have to talk and agree. That is why we are here today at the suggestion of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who tasked Minister Tomislav Zigmanov to find adequate reasons for reviving constructive dialogue together with Milorad Pupovec, along with the signing of the declaration on cooperation, Dacic said.
Better relations between the two countries are in the interest of both peoples, but also of the entire region, said the First Deputy Prime Minister, congratulating Croatia on entering the Schengen Area on 1 January.
According to him, the individual progress of the neighbours should be seen as a joint success.
It is especially important that both countries condemn hate speech and ethnically motivated attacks, which, he said, would contribute to building trust.
Dacic recalled that the Serbian government provided €600,000 for the Croatian National Council to buy Ban Jelacic's house, adding that these may be small but positive steps that should be emulated.
I think that constructive solutions should be found for all controversial issues, including the issue of language and writing, whether it is about Serbs in Croatia or Croats in Serbia, he said, expressing his wish that instead of competing in hatred, we should compete in building peace and good relations, for which Serbia is ready.