First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic received today in a courtesy call the newly-appointed Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Serbia, on a non-resident basis, Mrs. Orla O'Hanrahan, with residence in Athens.

In welcoming the Ambassador, Minister Dacic pointed to the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, which he assessed as good. He emphasized that it was particularly necessary to promote insufficiently developed economic cooperation but also to step up political dialogue.

Minster Dacic expressed special gratitude for continued and active support of Ireland in connection with the Republic of Serbia's EU integration, expressing the hope that it would be continued in the future.

Both parties agreed that it was necessary to intensify political dialogue, exchange of visits and continue with mutual support in international fora.

Ambassador O'Hanrahan reaffirmed the support to Serbia's EU integration expressing readiness of Ireland to offer concrete support in this process.