SELAKOVIĆ THANKED THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK FOR SUPPORTING SERBIA'S EUROPEAN PATH

At a joint press conference, Selaković said that he had discussed with Danish Minister Kofod the possibility of intensifying both political and economic cooperation, the situation in the region, Serbia's economic and reform successes, progress in the field of rule of law, media freedom and everything that is significant to Serbia on its European path, as well as the "Open Balkans" initiative.

He stated that they also discussed issues of geopolitics, migrations that are extremely interesting for the whole of Europe, and which are also a point of contact between Serbia and Denmark.

Minister Selaković thanked his Danish colleague for the open, good and constructive talks, as well as for the respect he expressed towards Serbia and for the statements before his arrival in Belgrade.

"You said that you see our region as a region that belongs to the European circle of families, of democratic provenance, that the place of the Western Balkans, as well as Serbia, is within the EU, with the full member status", Selaković reminded.

He also stated that Minister Kofod was acquainted at the meeting with the "Open Balkans" initiative, as an opportunity provided to our entire region to concentrate on the future, on what unites us all and that through the promotion of a positive agenda, economic cooperation of everyone in the region, we work much more for the future of the region and all of us who live here.

"We have reached a kind of agreement to institutionalize political consultations between the two ministries in the future, to sign a memorandum of understanding during our next meeting and to maintain bilateral communications between our two ministries at the level of assistants from that moment, on a regular annual basis", said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that it is extremely important for us that after only three years, we have the opportunity to host a Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belgrade for the second time.

Minister Selaković emphasized that Denmark and Serbia are bound by more than 100 years of diplomatic relations and reminded that the centenary was marked in 2017.

He mentioned that the dedication and interest of the Danish people for Serbia is especially evident in the life, work and dedication of a great Dane in Serbia, William Melgard, who, as he stated, treated Serbian wounded soldiers in the First World War, fell in love with Serbia and our people, and remained to live in Kursumlija, where he founded the first health center that bears his name today.

He expressed expectation that the visit of his Danish colleague is only the first visit to Belgrade, and that they will have more opportunities to exchange experiences, which he said could be useful for our future.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Jeppe Kofod, said that he had discussed many important issues with the Serbian Minister and pointed out that Serbia is a close partner to Denmark, and that he hoped that it would continue to be so.

Kofod stated that he exchanged experiences with the Serbian minister on the fight between the two countries against the corona virus, and pointed out that Denmark would donate one million vaccines to the Western Balkans.

Also, the Danish minister praised the development of the Serbian economy, which has been at an impressive level in recent years.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark thanked the head of Serbian diplomacy for the hospitality and expressed hope that Minister Selaković would return the visit.

31. Aug 2021.