First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić, who was on an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, met yesterday with the most senior officials of that country.

The Serbian Foreign Minister had talks with President of Azerbajian Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, and with his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov.

High level of cooperation and understanding between the two countries was reaffirmed in the talks with President Ilham Aliyev, and mutual interest for further enhancement of relations in all areas was underscored.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, it was assessed that the economic cooperation between the two countries is far short of the two countries' interests and potential, so that in the upcoming period special attention would be devoted to the strengthening of trading relations, economic and energy ties between the two countries.

Major issues concerning bilateral cooperation were discussed in substantive talks with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, and both sides pointed to the need for resuming the work on completion of contractual legal basis and strengthening of economic ties. Special attention in the talks was given to the most pressing international issues.

At a news conference held after the meeting, Minister Dačić pointed out that Serbia and Azerbaijan were friendly countries and that, regardless of the aspiration to become an EU Member State, Serbia also wished to build good relations with non-EU Member States.

The Minister reiterated that cooperation between the two countries should be developed in all aspects, from political, economic, cultural, sport, to educational. "We will work further on the implementation of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia", Mr. Dačić said, underlining that trade relations between the two countries had not yet reached a high level, and further efforts should be invested in this regard in the upcoming period.

Minister recalled that Azerbaijani businesses, in cooperation with Serbian businesses, successfully worked on the construction of motorway sections in Serbia.

„Moreover, we are open for talks concerning other projects, investments, participation of Azerbaijani companies in the privatization process in Serbia or other investments", Mr. Dačić said, and announced that a business forum and a session of intergovernmental Joint Committee for trade relations between the two countries would be held soon.

Recalling the fact that next year's OSCE Chairmanship will pose a great challenge for Serbia, having in mind the current political and security situation in Europe, Mr. Dačić emphasized that he would strive to make a full and constructive contribution to the finding of peaceful solutions for the existing conflicts.

„As the Chairperson-in-Office, I wish to approach these topics seriously, and make a contribution to the resolution of all these conflicts, and this is a large responsibility for Serbia", the Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out.

„We highly appreciate Azerbaijani position concerning territorial integrity of Serbia and the position that political issues must be resolved through dialogue, and that the issue of territorial integrity cannot be resolved by force", Dačić said, adding that Serbia had learned from experience that dialogue was the only way to resolve conflicts.

Foreign Minister Dačić meets with President of Azerbaijan Ilhalm Aliyev

 

Foreign Minister Dačić meets with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade

 

Foreign Minister Dačić meets with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmmar Mamadyarov

 

Press conference by Minister Dacic and MinisterMamadyarov

 

Laying of the wreath at "Eternal Flame" complex by Minister Dačić

 

Minister Dačić laid wreath at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev