First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic met today in New York with Foreign Minister of Palestine Riyad Al-Maliki.

The Palestinian Minister conveyed the greetings from President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas and his gratitude for the welcome he received during his recent visit to Belgrade (June 2015).

He expressed the hope that a meeting of the Joint Committee of the two countries would be held soon, which would give a positive impetus to the improvement of bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude for the support of Serbia to the resolution proposed by Palestine, providing for non- member country observers to fly their flags at the UN headquarters and other UN offices.

Minister Dacic said that Serbia was exploring opportunities to establish a diplomatic mission in Ramallah. The Foreign Minister of Palestine expressed his hope that the said issue would be soon realized, and conveyed readiness to help our side in finding a location. He believes that this is an important political message, but also a message to business people and entrepreneurs. He expressed the expectation to see his Serbian counterpart in Ramallah soon.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out the unacceptability of Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO and asked for understanding. His Palestinian fellow Minister expressed full understanding for the Serbian position and reiterated the position of his country regarding non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija.