Dacic extends condolences over Schauble's passing

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic has extended his condolences to German FM Annalena Baerbock over the passing of former Bundestag president Wolfgang Schauble.

"On occasion of the passing of Wolfgang Schauble, a man who left a mark on the German and the European policies in the past decades, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences," Dacic wrote in a message.

He noted Schauble would be remembered as a prominent statesman and a deft politician who had made an excellent contribution in all the posts he had held during the many years of his career.

"His departure leaves Europe without a significant political figure whose wisdom and skill have contributed to the overcoming of complex crises that have shaken our continent. With his courage and commitment to his duties as a statesman, even after the assassination attempt which he survived, he set a great example to all European politicians and statespersons," Dacic said.

He noted that he had had the honour of cooperating with Schauble closely "as we simultaneously held the respective posts of parliament speakers and interior ministers in our countries."

He added that his meetings with Schauble had not only resulted in deeper cooperation and better understanding between Germany and Serbia but also remained in his fond memory "because of the personality of Wolfgang Schauble, a great fighter, a man of strong character and with a political vision."

Dacic said he had last met with Schauble in June 2021, "when, during the joint fight against the coronavirus pandemic, we held a meeting in Berlin, whereby Mr Schauble, then president of the Bundestag, showed respect to our country and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, whose president I was at the time."