First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic received today Secretary of State for European Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Harlem Desire.

The interlocutors agreed that the relations between Serbia and France were good and that, in the past three years, the political dialogue had developed on the highest level. The talks were concluded with a mutual desire of enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly focusing on economic, cultural and educational cooperation which should be strengthened by specific projects.

Minister Dacic was thankful for the continued support of France to Serbia's EU integration process, recalling that EU membership is Serbia's foreign policy priority, underlining that it was particularly important that first negotiating chapters be opened by the end of this year, bearing in mind all the results achieved by Serbia as a result of reforms. The Serbian Foreign Minister underscored that Serbia will remain committed to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, but that it would not accept unilateral decisions by Pristina such as its application for UNESCO membership.

Secretary of State Desire commended Serbia's efforts in the EU integration process and conveyed that Serbia could continue to count on the support of France in this process, i.e. that France supported the opening of chapters 32 and 35 before the end of the year.

The guest welcomed Serbia's efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation in the region, particularly commending its proper attitude towards migrants. Desire particularly congratulated Serbia on its significant contribution to the OSCE Chairmanship, wishing successful deliberations at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Belgrade, in early December.