Djuric receives Craxi

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with the chairwoman of the foreign affairs and defence committee of the Italian Senate Stefania Craxi in Belgrade on Tuesday, noting that cooperation with Italy was greatly contributing to Serbia's economic development and EU approximation.

Djuric noted that Serbia and Italy marked an important anniversary this year - 145 years since the establishment of their diplomatic relations, the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

He added that the two countries maintained close and friendly ties and were continuously boosting bilateral cooperation.

He said his government had adopted a reform agenda under which Serbia would by 2027 implement all necessary reforms to be ready for EU membership.

Speaking about Serbia's foreign policy, he said Belgrade wanted to build and strengthen relations with as many countries as possible and seek friendships around the world.

Djuric thanked Italy for its contribution to peace and stability in the region through the engagement of Italian KFOR troops and, in particular, for the protection provided to the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Visoki Decani and for the preservation of other Serbian religious and cultural heritage in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija.

He added that Serbia and Italy also marked 15 years of their strategic partnership and noted that he was pleased the governments of the two countries would hold a joint session in the period to come.

Craxi also held a separate meeting with Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic.

They discussed regional security, relations with KFOR and defence cooperation.