Marko Djuric: Connecting the region is priority of Serbian CEI presidency

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric spoke with Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Franco Dal Mas about the goals and priorities of the Serbian CEI presidency.

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Djuric pointed out that Serbia actively participates in the work of CEI and stressed the importance of this organization for strengthening regional cooperation, deepening good neighborly relations and creating solid partnerships among the countries in the region.

He said that CEI represents a good platform for joint improvement of infrastructure and economic connectivity, as well as joint action to preserve stability and security in Europe and beyond.

Djuric said he believes that the second part of the Serbian CEI presidency will be devoted to successful completion of the projects that have already been launched, with an emphasis on deepening and strengthening good neighborly relations that are important for progress towards membership in the European Union.

He stressed that Serbia wants to bring new energy to the work of this oldest regional organization and to show the importance of stronger connections in the region.

According to him, through its funds the initiative, apart from political, also provides significant financial support to members in the process of European integration.

He noted the role of Italy, as a country that has been the main pillar of the initiative's functioning since its foundation, stressing that without its support CEI would not have become a permanent and successful regional cooperation mechanism.

The meeting also discussed the priorities of the presidency, such as infrastructural and institutional connectivity, investments in new technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology, as well as improving cooperation with Italy, the host country of the CEI Secretariat.

The head of Serbian diplomacy announced that Serbia will organize two important events in November - the Parliamentary Assembly of the CEI and the Interministerial Meeting on Labor Migration, as well as that the Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Member States is ahead, during which Serbia's presidency will be completed, and the duties handed over to the next chair.

Djuric pointed out that by accepting the presidency in 2025 Serbia has shown consistent commitment to regional integration and cooperation within CEI, as evidenced by the results so far and the contribution to common goals.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)