June 22, 2022

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy Luigi di Maio about the improvement of bilateral relations, development of economic and trade cooperation, as well as potential new investments in Serbia.

Brnabic pointed out that Italy continuously and strongly supports Serbia on its European path, and emphasised that reforms, regardless of all the challenges of today, remain Belgrade's primary task, with a special focus on the rule of law.

She also underlined that peace and stability in the region are of key importance for economic development and that the government of Serbia will do everything to ensure that, because, as she emphasised, the continuation and implementation of reforms is possible only when peace and security of the whole region are guaranteed.

Speaking about the "Open Balkans" initiative, the Prime Minister pointed out that it is an example of successful regional cooperation and the fight for common goals, noting that this is the best way to prepare countries for EU membership, but also an opportunity to reach Union standards and before fulfill conditions for formal enrollment.

Also, as she added, Belgrade greatly appreciates Italy's position that Serbia has full potential to progress towards the EU and that it can count on the constant support of a friendly country such as Italy.

When it comes to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Brnabic emphasised that official Belgrade remains fully committed to that dialogue, as evidenced by the recently reached agreement on the roadmap for the implementation of the energy agreement.

The Italian Minister said that the policy pursued by Serbia is important for the stability of the Western Balkans, and despite the challenging times in which Europe lives, that Italy supports Ukraine, but also Serbia and the Western Balkans on the path to European integration.