Commitment of Serbia and Romania to the strengthening of cooperation

Minister Selaković thanked Romania for its support for Serbia's European integration and for the support it has provided to Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija.

At the joint press conference after the meeting, Minister Selaković stated that at the meeting with the Romanian counterpart the improvement of bilateral cooperation was discussed and that they reaffirmed the relation of traditional friendship, closeness, solidarity and understanding between the two peoples.

Minister Selaković said that he had the opportunity to talk openly and cordially with his Romanian counterpart about the improvement of bilateral cooperation and all the issues that are important for the Serbia–Romania relations.

“We have shown our determination to make our relations as good and meaningful as possible in the future through further activities of our two Ministries. I am convinced that a strong political message was sent today from Bucharest that Serbia and Romania are determined to deepen cooperation and expand dialogue in all areas important for our two countries,” said Selaković.

According to him, the current challenges that Europe and the world are facing , especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, additionally increased the importance of preserving peace and stability in the region.

Minister Selaković stated that the determination of Serbia and Romania to do everything in their power to preserve stability and peace was jointly emphasised at the meeting.

Selaković emphasised that Serbia was grateful to friendly Romania for the support it provided to Serbia in the process of European integration, which has gained importance especially in the complex circumstances and in the context of new geopolitical challenges.

Minister Selaković said that he expressed gratitude to Romania for the support it provided to territorial integrity and sovereignty, as an issue of utmost national and political importance for Serbia, and for understanding the difficult position of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

“We also discussed the efforts that Serbia is making in the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština and in search of a compromise, sustainable and lasting solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. We also talked about the course of the negotiations, about the agreements reached, as well as about the great challenges that lie ahead and the ideas and intentions of Priština to completely make the dialogue meaningless by applying for membership in some regional and international organisations,” said the Minister.

Selaković emphasised that Serbia was paying great attention to the rights of national minorities in Serbia and perceived them as an important bridge and link between the minorities and their home countries, and Serbia.

“What enriches the relations between Serbia and Romania are the members of the Romanian national minority living in Serbia and the Serbian national minority living on the territory of Romania. As a state, we are committed to meeting all legal and institutional standards relating to respect of human rights and rights of minorities. Within the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on National Minorities of Serbia and Romania, we agree that an efficient model for establishing a successful political dialogue between the two sides has been established. We agreed that the two of us, as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, should meet more often and give additional impetus to the work of the Commission,” said Minister Selaković.

According to him, two important agreements between the two Governments were signed in Bucharest today, i.e. the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education, Science, Culture, Media, Youth and Sports and the Agreement on the transfer of the Luceafarul building in Vršac to friendly Romania.

“Both agreements are a proof of our readiness to improve cooperation between our two countries for the benefit of our two peoples,” said Minister Selaković. According to the Minister, it was noted that there was room for intensifying economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as cooperation in various fields.

Minister Selaković said that there was room for deepening economic cooperation, which he discussed with Serbian businessmen in Romania who were satisfied with their business activities.

“I am convinced that we can do much more to promote Romanian investments in Serbia,” said Selaković, adding that they agreed on the need to hold the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic Cooperation before the end of the year in course, most likely prior to the higher-level visits.

According to Minister Selaković, further energy and infrastructural connections between Serbia and Romania were also discussed at the meeting.

Minister Selaković stated that Romania and Serbia proved to be true friends in the Corona virus pandemic, and mentioned mutual donations in vaccines, drugs and oxygen.

“I am sincerely grateful for the warm reception and I am convinced that today's successful visit and talks will have a positive impact on the further development of our already good and traditionally friendly relations,” Selaković concluded.

Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Lucian Aurescu expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive dialogue between Romania and Serbia, emphasising that he was convinced that such a dialogue would enable attainment of common objectives of the two countries.

Minister Aurescu said that Serbia was an important partner of Romania in the region, that he in particular discussed economic cooperation with his Serbian counterpart, and presented data showing that last year the exchange was almost two billion euros, and according to this year's data, it was increasing.

“We agreed to organise a new meeting of the Mixed Commission this year, as well as a Business Forum in order to stimulate the cooperation of business communities,” Aurescu said.

He noted that the issue of national minorities was discussed at the meeting and it was agreed that the Mixed Inter-Ministerial Commission would sit by the end of the year.

“National minorities enrich our cultures and strengthen our relations,” said Minister Aurescu.

Minister Aurescu reiterated his support for Serbia's European path, stating that Romania was ready to provide technical and any other support to Serbia. He also underlined that his country's position was that Serbia should be admitted to the EU as soon as possible.

Aurescu expressed satisfaction with the signing of two important Agreements - the Agreement between the two Governments on the transfer of the Luceafarul building in Vršac to Romania, which would be the seat of the Romanian Consulate in Vršac, and the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education, Science, Culture, Media, Youth and Sports.

He also stated that they discussed cross-border cooperation, cooperation in the field of energy, the situation in the Western Balkans, as well as the effects of the Russian attack on Ukraine in all areas.