First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic talked today with European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, within the framework of his visit to Serbia.

Minister Dacic took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the EU support, and the personal engagement of Commissioner Stylianides in providing assistance to Serbia for managing the refugee and migrant crisis and ensuring appropriate treatment of migrants. He recalled that the crisis was a common problem, which cannot be resolved by any country alone, and that mutual cooperation and a solidarity approach were needed. Dacic expressed hope that the EU would continue to extend support to Serbia, accordingly.

Minister Dacic noted that, since the very outset of the crisis, Serbia had demonstrated by its humane and responsible action that it shared the values of the European Union in common. He added that Serbia would remain committed to seeking a comprehensive and compromise solution to the crisis, and continue to make its contribution, as well as assume its share of responsibility.

Commissioner Stylianides underlined that he decided to visit Serbia again to express his support and announce 4 million euro in EU assistance towards the implementation of humanitarian projects focusing on migrants in Serbia. He noted that, since 2015, the European Union had been Serbia's major donor insofar as emergency assistance.

He underlined that Serbia has proved to be a reliable partner, on the cooperation of which the EU could also count in difficult situations. The Commissioner further underscored that during this visit he had yet another opportunity to assure himself of the significant progress made in providing living conditions for migrants.

In conclusion, Commissioner Stylianides stated that Serbia's European perspective was indisputable, i.e. that Serbia was a part of Europe and that the European Union and Serbia had a common future.