First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had separate meetings today with Hellenic Republic Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias, in the framework of the Greek delegation's official two-day visit to the Republic of Serbia.

The Greek side reiterated its principled position concerning non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia, reaffirming the strong support of the Hellenic Republic to the further process of Serbia's European integration.

During the talks, the two sides noted that their relations were traditionally friendly, based on historical closeness and solidarity between the two peoples, and expressed their confidence that these meetings would contribute to intensifying the dynamics of political dialogue between the officials of the two countries.

The officials expressed their desire to further promote the bilateral cooperation between their countries and finalize projects of common interest, particularly in the spheres of economy and infrastructure. They further exchanged views on the current situation in the countries of the Western Balkan region, the migrant crisis, as well as other topics of broader international importance. The talks focused also on the modalities of further cooperation in the framework of regional initiatives and processes, as well as international organizations.

Minister Dacic accepted the invitation to visit Athens in the first half of 2017.