First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic hosted today, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a reception for representatives of the diplomatic corps, on the occasion of his appointment. 

The Minister welcomed numerous heads of diplomatic missions and prominent guests, pointing in his address to the priority goals of Serbia's foreign policy.

"Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen of the diplomatic corps,
Madam Minister,
Mr. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee,
Representatives of the media,

I have no doubt that you are already familiar with the political priorities of the new Serbian Government. However, let me mention some of the most important ones: continuation of the European integration process; resumption of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and implementation of the agreements reached so far; deepening and strengthening of our relations with the neighbours and overall regional cooperation; economic recovery of the country; and continuation of significant domestic reforms.

Serbia's foremost strategic foreign policy priority is membership of the European Union which is, at the same time, our most important trading and investment partner. This year, we have initiated our membership negotiations with the European Union by holding the first Inter-Governmental Conference in Brussels, on 21 January, which represents a very important political juncture for the Republic of Serbia. Intensive preparations for the negotiations with the EU have been going on in all institutions of the Serbian Government.

When it comes to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, by signing the Brussels Agreement, Serbia has opted for the road of peace, cooperation and negotiations and is firmly committed to continue its talks with Pristina and to implement the agreements reached thus far, demonstrating in this way that we are a reliable and safe partner. Serbia will never recognize Kosovo and Metohija as an independent state and will seek solutions for all outstanding issues within the framework of the dialogue under the auspices of the European Union.

Although integration into the European Union is the strategic goal of our foreign policy, we wish to develop comprehensive, friendly relations and cooperation with all countries, thus contributing to international peace, stability and bringing the necessary prosperity to all of us. In the present-day circumstances when we are all facing numerous challenges not recognizing boundaries, this seems to be the only rational path for all of us. In this context, intensification of bilateral political dialogue and promotion of overall relations with our friends and partners all over the world will continue to be the priorities in the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Particular attention will be devoted to economic diplomacy and intensification of economic relations with other countries, in order that our diplomatic network could make a most effective contribution to the efforts made by the Government of Serbia, aimed at overcoming the current financial and economic crisis, deeply affecting the country.

Our commitment to fully developing relations with our next-door neighbours, countries of the region and those of Europe is not to the detriment of the relations with other countries of the world. This is best evidenced by the establishment, in the past period, of new diplomatic missions of the Republic of Serbia in African countries, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Regional cooperation is the foreign policy priority of Serbia which is being implemented through its participation in many regional initiatives and processes. Serbia is committed to the development of good-neighbourly relations and cooperation with all countries in the region, with a view to improving stability and promoting their common European future.

We are convinced that only through an open and continuing dialogue will we be able to overcome outstanding issues and make the best possible contribution to establishing a stable, economically inter-related and fully cooperation-oriented regional and broader international environment.

Serbia is affirming its foreign policy priorities also through an active and constructive participation in all forms of multilateral cooperation. By actively participating in the work of the United Nations and other international organizations, Serbia confirms its commitment to consolidating stability and confidence-building in the international community and settlement of disputes through diplomacy and by legal means.

Through the system of the United Nations and other international organizations, primarily the Council of Europe, Serbia pledges itself, in particular, to the protection of human and minority rights. Representatives of Serbia currently participate in seven UN peace missions and two EU operations, thus making a concrete and active contribution to safeguarding and strengthening international peace and security, crisis management and counter-terrorism efforts.
This year, Serbia became a member of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). By our engagement in this UN body, we will endeavour to make our maximum contribution, within the limits of our possibilities, and to find solutions for key global economic, social and environmental concerns. In this context, particular attention will be paid to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), formulation of the post-2015 Global Development Agenda, as well as to the resolution of climate change challenges.

As Chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2015, Serbia will specifically and constructively contribute to the enhancement of all the three OSCE dimensions and will endeavour to contribute to the work of the Organization in a transparent and impartial way.

Excellencies, your presence and engagement in the Republic of Serbia is valuable indeed. In the past, I have had the opportunity to cooperate with all of you more or less closely and intensively. On this occasion, I would like to thank you for your engagement and contribution to the strengthening of cooperation between Serbia and the countries or international organizations you are representing, and to reiterate that I remain open and stand ready for further cooperation and dialogue."