Belgrade, 22 June 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio about the most important economic and political processes in the country and the region and the support which Rome provides to Serbia in the process of European integration at all levels.

Brnabic said that Serbia is carefully observing Italy’s recovery from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, given that this country is one of Serbia’s most important economic partners. She underlined that our country cannot be strong without a strong Italy.

Speaking about the reforms that are being carried out on the path to full membership in the European Union, the Prime Minister emphasised that Serbia is ready to open two clusters, and that Italy has once again proved to be a friendly country in the enlargement process by sincerely advocating their opening.

According to her, the stability of the region is of special importance, both in the economic and political sense, and that is why Belgrade is doing everything to start a dialogue with Pristina, as well as to strengthen regional economic connections.

The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs praised Serbia's efforts in the fight against the pandemic and the vaccination of the population against coronavirus, noting that other countries, not only the region, but also the EU, will have to recognise Serbia’s achievements too.

When it comes to EU enlargement, Di Maio said that Serbia is a natural part of Europe and that is why Italy provides it with all kinds of support on that path, and that bilateral relations between Italy and Serbia serve as an example to other members of the Union.

He also said that he agrees that the joint session of the two governments will give additional impetus to the high-quality interstate relations.