First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic attended the reception of the first 8 tons of humanitarian aid for Serbia from Austria, reserved for the 10 most vulnerable municipalities in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg and Minister for the EU and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler delivered the humanitarian aid in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and Minster of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic.

The aid provided by the Austrian Development Agency was delivered at the Red Cross distribution warehouse. The first delivery includes a donation in the form of hygiene kits, while food aid packages are also planned for delivery. The received aid amounts to 8 tons and it will be donated to municipalities in the third and fourth category, based on their vulnerability.
Minister Dacic expressed his gratitude to Austria for having delivered humanitarian aid for Serbia for years. The Minister noted that Austria had announced the provision of humanitarian assistance for Serbia on 25 April and that they now delivered on their promise.

The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed condolences to all families who lost their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic and stated that both Austria and Serbia were successful in combating the virus.

The Minister congratulated Austria for being "one of the most successful countries in the fight against the virus in terms of results", underscoring that the two countries offered their mutual assistance during the pandemic.

"We have also repatriated 57 Austrian citizens from Serbia and ensured the return of more than 2000 Serbian citizens", said Dacic. The Minister expressed hope that the epidemiological situation would continue to improve and that the measures would be eased further. He noted that Austria was one of the most important partners and investors in Serbia.

The Austrian Government donated EUR 1 million to the International Red Cross and part of this will be allocated to the Red Cross of Serbia. Austrian Minister Schallenberg said that he was glad to be in Serbia and that the packages constitute only one part of the assistance. He also underscored that the friendship between Serbia and Austria was not only demonstrated in good times, but also in times of crisis.

"Solidarity means investing in a common future and, due to this reason, the EU has invested EUR 3.3 billion in assistance for the Western Balkans during the coronavirus crisis", he said.

The Austrian Minister congratulated Serbia on the excellent measures taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

"The aim is to re-establish the freedom of travel in Europe, as soon as health conditions are met. Families in Austria and Serbia, which are currently separated, need to be patient for a little while longer", said Schallenberg.