First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić met today with Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations Bintou Keita, and with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin.

On this occasion, UN representatives underlined, in particular, the importance of the contribution which Serbia is making to the preservation of peace and stability in the world, through its participation in 5 UN-led peacekeeping operations with more than 300 personnel. Also, they demonstrated commitment to continue the presence and actions of the UN Mission in Kosovo, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 1244, as well as to continue its engagement in preserving stability and building trust between communities.

Stressing the importance the United Nations has for the Republic of Serbia in the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty, Minister Dačić underlined the necessity of preserving UNMIK as a guarantee of status neutrality, without downsizing or change of its mandate, as well as that Serbia is committed to finding a compromise and sustainable solution for the Kosovo issue. He also expressed the readiness of the Republic of Serbia to continue its participation in peacekeeping operations in the framework of further contributing to collective security, including its commitment to further develop cooperation between Serbia and the United Nations in the most important fields of action of the world Organization.