Djuric: Serbia open to business, regional cooperation

ROME - Serbia is open to business and regional cooperation, Serbian FM Marko Djuric said at Monday's ministerial meeting of the informal Friends of Western Balkans group in Rome.

"Today in Rome, we sent a strong message that Serbia is open to business, that it is determined to carry out all reforms necessary for EU membership as soon as possible and to work in the interest of its citizens and bolster its economy, as well as that we also see huge opportunities in regional cooperation," Djuric said.

He noted that Serbia presided over the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and the Central European Initiative (CEI) and was thus actively contributing to development of its region.

"Among other things, we discussed opportunities for 2025, which can be a landmark year when it comes to regional cooperation, not only due to Serbia's CEI and GPAI presidencies but also because we are in a world where adaptability calls for greater cooperation, where we need to fight for growth, and Serbia, led by President Vucic and an energetic government team that has placed the emphasis on economic development, new technologies and similar things, can be an engine of growth and development - in fact, it already is in our part of Europe," Djuric said.

He said the goal of the meeting had been to portray Serbia in a positive light and lend momentum to EU integration at an important forum attended by new EU foreign policy and security chief Kaja Kallas and new Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.

"I had meetings with Mrs Kallas and Ms Kos, discussing our region's situation, Serbia's situation, and the relations between Belgrade and Pristina. I emphasised the importance of resolving our internal issues through dialogue and democratic methods, which will not hinder Serbia's economic and political progress or its path towards the EU and creating a better climate in our region. We will continue to work on improving the living standards of our citizens," a statement released by the Serbian MFA quoted Djuric as saying.