Serbia and Cyprus reiterate mutual support

Source: B92, srbija.gov.rs

BELGRADE, NICOSIA -- PM Ivica Dačić met on Friday in Nicosia with Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias, to praise the ties between the two countries as "traditionally good".

(Beta/AP)

Dačić, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Cyprus, said that this country and Serbia have many common details from history, many examples of brotherly relations, but they also share common problems, such as the violation of their territorial integrity.
The Serbian prime minister expressed his gratitude to Cyprus for its support in tackling the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, and stressed that this country can count on full support of Serbia regarding the Cypriot problem, a statement posted on the government website said on Friday.

He underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and noted that today it was agreed that the two countries hold annual summits, which would be organized alternately in Serbia and Cyprus.

It was also concluded that economic cooperation should be enhanced since there are common interests, and underlined that he would personally engage in strengthening relations between Cyprus and Serbia.

According to the statement, Dačić noted that Serbia has never been closer to membership in the EU and that therefore these days are very important for our country, and expressed gratitude to Christofias for the support of Cyprus during its EU presidency.

The PM also expressed his expectation that Serbia will get a positive opinion and the possibility to start negotiations with the EU in March.

Christofias welcomed Serbia’s constant efforts on expanding cooperation with his country and confirmed that Cyprus continues to strongly support European perspective of Serbia, "just like the EU itself".

He underlined that Cyprus wishes Serbia to start EU membership negotiations as soon as possible and that he believes that the stability and development of Balkan countries as a unique space will get support within the EU.

The president welcomed dialogue between Belgrade and Priština, and pointed out that Cyprus "does not recognize and will not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo".

He stressed that this is the principled stance of Cyprus based on international law, and added that the solution must be the result of joint consultation which will result in agreement.

According to him, that agreement must respect the territorial integrity of Serbia and be approved by the United Nations Security Council.

Christofias expressed a deep gratitude of the Cypriot people for a strong principled stance of Serbia regarding the Cypriot problem.

"The constant help and support of friendly countries such as Serbia strengthens our efforts to address this problem," the Cypriot president concluded.