First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic talked today with Deputy Director-General for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Masahiro Mikami, who heads the Japanese delegation to the political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Serbia and Japan.

Minister Dacic expressed his pleasure over the establishment of the practice of regular political consultations between the two countries, and his expectation that it would provide a new impetus to the further development of all forms of cooperation. The importance of further enhancement of bilateral relations and exchange of visits at high and top levels was stressed in the talks. Particular attention was drawn to the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations, where according to both parties' assessment, there are possibilities for solidifying them further, particularly with regards to major Japanese investments in the Serbian economy.

Minister Dacic conveyed the Serbian Government's gratitude for the aid provided by the Government, the institutions and people of Japan in the aftermath of the disastrous floods. Japan donated EUR 5 million to Serbia at the Brussels Donors' Conference.