First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today with Luís Filipe Tavares, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communities and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cabo Verde, who is on an official visit to Belgrade.

After their meeting, the two ministers today signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communities of Cabo Verde.

Minister Dacic estimated that the MoU would contribute to the development of Serbia-Cabo Verde relations, which use to be good in the past owing to their nationals attending post-graduate study courses in our country.

Minister Dacic stressed that the relations between the two countries were good, however adding that they had not been promoted since the time of the former Yugoslavia and Josip Broz Tito's support to African countries' struggle for independence.

The Minister recalled that Serbia had recently joined the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) as an associate observer and that most of the member countries, including the most influential among them, had not recognized the independence of Kosovo.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also underlined that Serbia would open an Office of an Honorary Consul in Cabo Verde, whereas Minister Tavares called for finding a proper candidate to represent his country in Belgrade as Honorary Consul.

Minister Luís Filipe Tavares said that Serbia could rely on this African country in its efforts to preserve national interests concerning the issue of Kosovo.

"Serbia can trust us. We are a democratic country bound by the rule of law, keeping its word and desirous of having excellent relations with Serbia. You can count on us standing beside you in fighting for your national interests", said Minister Tavares.

"Cabo Verde had no interest of its own to join our efforts for the preservation of territorial integrity, yet they have done so as an act of true friendship", said Minister Dacic adding that both countries would start working on reciprocal visa exemption.

Minister Tavares expressed his gratitude for the warm and cordial welcome, stressing that this was the first time that he had felt at home in an Eastern European country as well as that he was won over by sincerity and the spirit of friendship and humanity.

He also emphasized that both countries would build on the existing good will and develop relations in the fields of economy, tourism, culture and ICT.