Minister Buitenlandse Zaken Cyprus bezoekt Servië (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Cypriotisch voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2012 i, gepubliceerd op woensdag 11 juli 2012.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, DrErato Kozakou-Marcoullis paid an official visit to Serbia on July 11, 2012. Dr. Marcoullis’ visit to Serbia constitutes the first visit of the Minister in her capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

During her stay in Belgrade the Minister of Foreign Affairs was received by the President of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic. Dr. Marcoullis’ discussions with Mr. Nikolic focused on the European perspective of the Western Balkans and in specific on that of Serbia. Dr Marcoullis reiterated the importance that Cyprus Presidency attributes to this issue.

Following a tête-à-tête meeting with her Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vuk Yeremic, the two Ministers held political consultations with the main focus of discussion being the enlargement of the European Union and Serbia’s path within European integration.

A joint press conference followed, in which Minister Marcoullis underlined again the Cypriot Presidency's priority on enlargement, including the Western Balkans region and Serbia, while Minister Yeremic reaffirmed Serbia's commitment on its European perspective.

Dr. Marcoullis subsequently held a meeting with Serbia's former President Mr. Boris Tadic with whom she exchanged views on the present situation in Serbia and on the need to maintain the country's European orientation.

The Foreign Minister's schedule of contacts was concluded with a meeting with Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr Ivica Dacic. The focus of these consultations was on the developments regarding the formation of a new government of Serbia and the stance that this government will adopt in its relations with the EU.

Dr. Marcoullis once again stressed the Cypriot Presidency's readiness to boost Serbia's accession process and in particular the Presidency's wish to contribute to the opening of accession negotiations with Serbia, in December, provided that there is a positive recommendation by the Commission and Serbia remains committed to the General Affairs Council Conclusions of December 2011. Mr. Dacic underlined his support to the country's European prospect and assured that Serbia will honour the commitments it has undertaken vis-a-vis the EU.