First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic congratulated today the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Paolo Gentiloni on taking up his duties.

By highlighting the traditionally friendly and good bilateral relations between Serbia and Italy, Mr. Gentiloni voiced his hope that they would be further enhanced, and that Italy would continue to provide full support to Serbia on its path to the European Union. He reiterated that Italy would still advocate the opening of the first chapters in the Serbia–EU negotiating process in the shortest possible time.

During the conversation, the Italian Foreign Minister emphasized that he still saw Serbia as the stability factor in the region of the Western Balkans.

Moreover, the Ministers agreed that they should also meet formally soon in view of the current Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU.