First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic participated today in the Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers of EU member and candidate countries (Gymnich) held in Malta. The meeting was co-chaired by EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta George Vella.

Addressing the meeting, the Serbian Foreign Minister spoke about the current situation in Serbia and the region. He underlined that Serbia's main asset at the moment was its political stability.

"In this regard I underlined that Prime Minister Vucic's Presidential election win contributed to the political stability and that the new Government to be formed will continue the commitment to EU membership and the building of peace, security and stability in the region.

I said that the developments in Macedonia cannot be regarded as an isolated case, that they were also a consequence of previous statements which had encouraged certain projects that might cause instability, as well as that Serbia was exposed to such moves. Namely, there are continuous indications coming from Tirana, Pristina, Bujanovac, and also spreading to other countries such as Macedonia. These are ideas about the creation of a Greater Albania and the unification of all Albanians. In this context, I asked about their reactions if all Serbs were to unify into one state, would they then remain silent as well.

At the meeting I underlined that Serbia was exposed to threats within the country itself, like statements to the effect that Mr. Vucic was not a President to Albanians in southern Serbia, and that it was Rama instead. I stressed that Serbia did not react to such provocations. We are restrained because we want to be the generator of peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting I told the French Foreign Minister that Serbia was very displeased with the decision of the French court, that France was disrespectful of Serb victims, who had the right to justice just like all other victims. Furthermore, I informed that we recalled our Ambassador to France for consultations and that he would arrive in Belgrade this evening. I reiterated that all this would affect our bilateral relations.

All of the above I said because we want to preserve peace and stability. We believe that the EU idea is a very important one for easing tensions in the region, that this is the way to show that we all have a common goal that Serbia will be committed to and that the Prime Minister, future President, and the new Government will work dedicatedly to realize that goal", said Minister Dacic after the meeting in Valletta.