First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today with Heads of diplomatic missions from the countries of the Asia-Pacific region serving in the Republic of Serbia,over a working lunch hosted by ShrimatiNarinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India in Belgrade.

In the talks with Ambassadors of Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Myanmar and Pakistan and Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia, Minister Dacic pointed to the importance that Serbia attached to cooperation with these countries which belong to one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Particular emphasis was placed on the enduring commitment of Serbia to the continuation and strengthening of cooperation with these countries to which we were tied by a traditional and long-lasting friendship.

Minister Dacic informed senior diplomatic representatives about the foreign policy priorities of the country, the process of its accession to the EU, the results ofSerbia's OSCE Chairmanship in the last year, as well as about the importance of the China-CEEC mechanism.The Minister put special emphasis on currently dominant international issues and topics related to Asia-Pacific and Western Balkans regions.

The Head of Serbian diplomacyexpressed interest for the intensification of political dialogue and promotion of economic cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the importance of Serbia as a central and key country of the Western Balkans. Minister Dacic called for a larger presence of companies and investors from these countries, pointing to many benefits and a favourable business environment in Serbia.

Minister Dacic used the opportunity of meeting the Ambassadors of the Asia-Pacific region to reiterate his gratitude for their support and donations given as a result of the migrant crisis, and for the developmental aid continually sent to Serbia.

While expressing their appreciation for the initiative to hold the meeting and for the talks with Minister Dacic, the present Ambassadors stressed their interest in the solidification and enhancement of cooperation with the Republic of Serbia, where their respective Embassies would make their full contribution. The Ambassadors extended special thanks for the great engagement of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister Dacichimself in the previous period, on the intensification of the political dialogue and on deepening cooperation in all areas.