Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivan Mrkic took part today in the informal Athens meeting of the Foreign Ministers of 28 EU Member States and candidate countries for EU membership- Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey.

Minister Mrkic told Tanjug after the meeting that the Eastern Partnership, the Ukraine crisis, Syria and other flashpoints figured on the agenda.

"Serbia has been frequently mentioned in the discussions, totally benevolently in 90% of the cases, and with understanding as regards Belgrade's position on the situation in Ukraine."

The Serbian position was reiterated: a strong Government, reflecting the will of the citizens who have recently had the opportunity to cast their votes, is going to be formed soon, and the Government will set forth its positions, not only the principled ones but also the positions concerning certain events related to various focal points of crisis, including Ukraine.

On the occasion, Minister Mrkic also met the host - Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and her plans to visit Belgrade in late April were discussed.

On the margins of the Athens meeting, Minister Mrkic had bilateral tête-à-tête meetings with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Manuel García-Margallo, and the new Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, and other counterparts.

Minister Mrkic's participation in the Athens meeting is another in a series of meetings pointing to the enhanced dynamic of the relations with the EU since Serbia opened its EU accession negotiations. Moreover, this is a confirmation of the partner relations and continued dialogue at all levels.

It is recalled that Minister Mrkic took part in a working dinner in February, hosted by Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.