First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic talked today with Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, who is on an official visit to Serbia from 27 June to 1 July 2014.

This has been the first visit of a Holy See's high official after eleven years, which will certainly provide additional impetus to the intensification of the political dialogue and open up prospects for the enhancement of cooperation. Issues from the area of bilateral relations, Serbia's European integration, state's position towards the restitution of ecclesiastic property, and joint cooperation within international organizations featured as topics discussed in the talks.

Both sides assessed that the relations between Serbia and the Vatican were good.

Minister Dacic underscored that, in political terms, Serbia wanted to reach as better understanding as possible with the Holy See when it comes to the issues of common interest. Foreign Minister Mamberti expressed his pleasure over the fact that the visit had taken place. The Holy See's position concerning non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija, and lending support to Serbia's European integration, was reaffirmed.

Serbian Foreign Minister thanked for the Pope's public appeal to assist the flood-affected areas in Serbia and for the humanitarian aid that the Holy See and Caritas had delivered to Serbia. The Minister also stated that Serbia particularly appreciated the Holy See's engagement in preservation of cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.

Speaking about the state's relationship towards the restitution of property to the Roman Catholic Church, Minister Dacic highlighted that the relation of the state towards the property of all religious communities was the same, and that restitution had to be regulated by the law, in accordance with the principles of the state governed by the rule of law.

The talks were followed by the signing of the Agreement between Serbia and the Holy See in the area of higher education, which was assessed as a very important step in bilateral relations between the two countries, providing framework for further cooperation.

At the joint press conference that followed the talks, Minister Dacic touched on the possibility of the Pope visiting Serbia, and pointed out that from the state aspect, Pope Francesco's visit was in the interest of Serbia.