Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia met today with the Vice-President of the Swiss Federal Council and Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter. Mr. Burkhalter is on his first visit to Serbia, at the invitation of Minister Mrkic.

Minister Mrkic emphasized the strong ties, importance and mutual benefits of continued political dialogue and common activities, as a basis for good bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The agenda of the meeting included cooperation in the preparations for the upcoming consecutive OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office that Switzerland and Serbia will assume in 2014 and 2015, respectively, as well as their joint work plan, designation of special representatives and the Helsinki plus 40 Process devoted to enhancing security in Europe in the present-day circumstances.

Minister Mrkic expressed his gratitude for the continuing developmental and donor assistance that Switzerland had extended Serbia in many areas, from their support to European integration, economic development, rule of law to education, etc. He also underlined the importance of prospective Swiss investments in Serbia.

Vice-President of Switzerland and Foreign Minister Burkhalter stressed that Switzerland would continue with its development assistance programmes to Serbia, primarily aimed at reducing unemployment. He said that he had talked to prospective Swiss investors and conveyed their optimism about the investment opportunities existing in Serbia.