Slovenia supports EU enlargement policy: Joksimovic and Cerar discuss Serbia's European path

Foto: Tanjug/Jaroslav Pap

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic spoke in Novi Sad with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Miro Cerar about the continuation of Serbia's European integration, and cooperation between the two countries in this process, as well as about bilateral relations, the situation in the region and other topics.

The minister stressed that Serbia will continue with equal commitment with the process of (EU) accession and implementation of reforms that are the best model for overall development of the state and society.

Recommended

Joksimovic assessed that, given the quality of reforms in the area of the rule of law and economy, Serbia is not satisfied with the opening of one chapter - but also that this is an indicator that the EU has noticed the results we have achieved in the process.

Jadranka Joksimovic thanked for the help and support that Slovenia provides to Serbia along its path towards full EU membership.

Photo: Tanjug/Jaroslav Pap

Particularly important in this regard is the significant multi-year development assistance - provided by Slovenian experts, especially in areas such as environmental protection, water management and cohesion policy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Slovenian Foreign Minister Miro Cerar said that Slovenia supports EU's enlargement policy and will continue to encourage Serbia's EU integration.

He assessed that the impact of reforms, which should be intensified, is visible and that it's significant that reforms pertaining to the rule of law and economy have been identified as particularly important.

Cerar explained that the region is one of the priorities of Slovenia's foreign policy - and that this is confirmed by the fact that the Western Balkans is Slovenia's priority in providing development and technical assistance.

He stressed the importance and Serbia's commitment to establish the best possible relations in the region.

Photo: Tanjug/Jaroslav Pap

Jadranka Joksimovic also met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion Alenka Bratusek today in Novi Sad - where the two countries' governments held a joint session.

Joksimovic stressed the importance of the cohesion policy, as a major EU policy, in achieving the goals of the EUROPE 2020 development strategy and the mechanism for implementing structural reforms in member states - through job creation, improving quality of life and enhancing overall economic development.

Since the Ministry of European Integration is in charge of negotiations in Chapter 22 - Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments - it has been agreed to intensify expert cooperation in the field of cohesion policy and regional development.

The interlocutors also noted that the continuation and strengthening of coordination within the European macro-regional strategies - primarily the Danube initiative, but also others like the Central European and Adriatic-Ionian initiatives - was of mutual interest.

Minister Bratusek expressed Slovenia's readiness to assist Serbia's European path.

Joksimovic and her interlocutors said that bilateral relations between the two countries were at a very high level and that there was a mutual commitment to intensify them.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)