Dacic speaks with large number of FMs in New York

NEW YORK - Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic met with the FMs of Argentina, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Antigua and Barbuda, Kiribati, Botswana, the Philippines and Senegal on the sidelines of the general debate at the UN General Assembly session in New York.

Besides bilateral meetings, Dacic also had an opportunity for brief meetings and discussions with officials including EU foreign policy and security chief Josep Borrell, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinovic Buric.

Dacic and his Argentine counterpart Santiago Cafiero agreed that bilateral political relations were on an extremely high level, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Dacic said Serbia was committed to further strengthen political dialogue at all levels based on its traditionally close and friendly relations with Argentina.

The parties noted the significance of respect of international law and the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which the two countries both advocate.

In a friendly conversation, Dacic and Saint Lucian FM Alva Romanus Baptiste underscored a readiness to further strengthen bilateral political cooperation, as well as cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education and exchange of scientific and technological achievements and practices.

Dacic and Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau agreed that the two sides must work on advancement of bilateral cooperation and deepening of cooperation in all fields, including within international organisations.

Dacic and Senegalese FM Aissata Tall Sall agreed that the good relations and long-standing friendship between their countries dated back to the era of the former Yugoslavia, in particular, the era of the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The parties noted that, besides excellent bilateral relations, there was space for advancement of economic cooperation and expressed interest in stepping up political dialogue and exchanging high- and top-level visits.

The Serbian FM and his counterpart from Antigua and Barbuda Everly Paul Chet Greene agreed for their countries to exchange bilateral visits in the near future to review possibilities for advancement of cooperation in numerous areas including agriculture, tourism, education, science and youth.

With Rwandan FM Vincent Biruta, Dacic exchanged views on topics of importance to both countries, which have maintained traditionally friendly ties since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1971.

They agreed that respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter was a priority for both countries, and Dacic reiterated his gratitude to Rwanda for supporting the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.

Dacic and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud expressed readiness to develop cooperation in all areas of mutual interest where opportunities allow.

They agreed that there was great potential for advancement of economic cooperation.

Dacic and Botswana's FM Lemogang Kwape noted that bilateral relations between their countries were characterised by a decades-old friendship.

They expressed interest in an exchange of high-level visits, the statement also said.