First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a meeting today with Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu.

During the talks, the interlocutors noted the high level of friendly relations and cooperation existing between the two countries, to which a particular impetus was given by last year's visit to India by then Prime Minister, and current President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic.

Both sides expressed their mutual satisfaction at the traditional decades-long friendly relations between Yugoslavia/Serbia as its integral part and subsequent successor, and India, dating back to the time of the Non-Aligned Movement, the two countries being among its founders.

Common desire and readiness were expressed for taking further specific steps in the coming period towards intensifying political dialogue at the high and highest levels, and comprehensive promotion of cooperation to which a special contribution would be made by the upcoming visit of the Vice President of India to the Republic of Serbia, to be the first visit on this level in several decades.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic took the opportunity to convey to his interlocutor the gratitude of the Government and the people of Serbia for India's support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia regarding non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of "Kosovo, expressing his confidence that this position, based on international law, would be maintained in the future, as well.

Indian Vice President Naidu confirmed that his country would not change its position concerning non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.