Belgrade, 21 May 2010 – Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic thanked the Republic of Mali today for not having recognised the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, as well as for its principled support to Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following a meeting with Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Moctar Ouane, Jeremic said that in today’s world such a principled stance shows the independence and courage of the Republic of Mali.
The Minister noted that Mali can count on Serbia’s support in international organisations, just as Serbia can rely on Mali.
He stated that at the meeting they discussed ways to boost their cooperation in economic matters, security, defence and culture, announcing that an expert group from Serbia will soon visit Mali to assess the terms of and define sectors for cooperation.
Jeremic also said that the format of the upcoming EU–Western Balkans meeting, scheduled for 2 June in Sarajevo, will be in line with Serbia’s demands, explaining that the provisional institutions in Pristina will be represented by UNMIK, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
He affirmed that Serbia has received an official invitation for the conference, adding that he expects that the conclusions from the conference will be an incentive for EU integration in the region.
Ouane stressed that in its foreign policy, Mali is uncompromisingly attached to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, noting that this is his country’s key foreign policy principle.
He said that Serbia and Mali have a long history of friendship, international support and understanding, and will next year mark the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali said that many doctors, teachers and engineers from his country studied in Serbia.
He pointed out the potential in agricultural cooperation, given the fact that Mali could make use of the knowledge of Serbian experts.
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