Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivan Mrkic paid a two-day official visit to the Republic of Austria, as member of the delegation headed by President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic.

On that occasion, Minister Mrkic stated that the relations between the two countries have never been better since their establishment and that Austria and Serbia see each other almost as neighbours, although it is not so, geographically.

"Cooperation is exemplary on various tracks. Austria was one of the countries wholeheartedly supporting our steps towards the EU and it continues to support Serbia. Austria also supported the commencement of the negotiations, in public and at meetings that were not under the scrutiny of the media," said the Serbian Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Mrkic said that the talks held by President Nikolic in Vienna were cordial and friendly. He made reference to the fact that Serbia and Austria would meet this year again on the occasion of the First World War anniversary.

"The fact that we are planning to observe this anniversary together demonstrates our maturity and that we are solely looking into the future", concluded Minister Mrkic.

During his visit to Vienna, President Nikolic met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, President of the Austrian Parliament Barbara Prammer, as well as Austrian businessmen and the Serbian diaspora.