First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a meeting today, in Belgrade, with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Minister Dacic thanked the Ethiopian Foreign Minister for his country's principled position of non-recognition of the independence of Kosovo, its vote against Kosovo's membership of UNESCO, and the traditionally friendly relations with Serbia.

At a press conference held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Dacic said that Ethiopia would maintain its principled position regarding the issue of non-recognition of Kosovo's independence and respect of international law.

"The bilateral relations between our two countries are good, but could be even better. I expect that, after the elections, talks will be held on the enhancement of relations between the two countries, as well as on some outstanding issues including debts, projects that have not been implemented, etc.", stated the Serbian Foreign Minister.

The two Ministers agreed that the establishment of the Joint Serbia-Ethiopia Committee for Cooperation could contribute to the strengthening of their traditionally good relations.

Dacic said that Ethiopia was a friendly country to Serbia, and that Serbia would support Ethiopia's candidature as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, as well as the Ethiopian candidate for the post of Director of the World Health Organization.

The Ethiopian Foreign Minister said that he was not surprised by the warm welcome accorded to him in Belgrade, adding that anything other than that would have fallen short of his expectations.

Minister Ghebreyesus said that Serbia and Ethiopia were linked by traditionally firm bonds that should be fostered. He underlined that the creation of the Joint Committee was a good step and that Ethiopia was not going to change its position on Kosovo.

"Ethiopia will stick to its principled position concerning the independence of Kosovo. We will continue to protect international law", said the Ethiopian Foreign Minister.