First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a meeting today, in New York, with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sao Tome and Principe Urbino Botelho.

Minister Dacic underlined the importance of marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as of continued strengthening of the friendly relations and bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Minister Dacic confirmed Serbia's commitment to the preservation of its traditional ties with Sao Tome and Principe, expressing his gratitude for its decision to withdraw the recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.

Minister Dacic highlighted the importance of preservation of this principled position, and invited Minister Botelho to visit Serbia.

Foreign Minister Botelho expressed his high appreciation of, and respect for, the contribution by Yugoslavia to the development of his country, confirming that his Government paid great attention to Serbia and to the resolution of the Kosovo and Metohija issue through dialogue.

Minister Botelho underscored that his country would continue to firmly uphold the position of non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, non-acceptance of any form of relations, while advocating reaching of a peaceful solution, and respect of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Thanking the Serbian Foreign Minister for the invitation to visit Serbia, Minister Botelho reciprocated by inviting Minister Dacic to visit Sao Tome and Principe.