FM Dendias meets with visiting Serbian counterpart Dačić

In joint statements to the press after their meeting, Dendias said that Greece firmly supports and can also offer technical know-how in Serbia's EU accession, as it is far too important a Balkan state to be left out of the European family.

The two FMs discussed improving relations in economy, energy, culture and defence, and the upcoming fourth High Level Cooperation Council between Greece and Serbia. Greece's economic presence there has helped create thousands of jobs in Serbia, noted Dendias, also underlining the European Union's great interest in rail and road connections with Serbia that end up in Greece.

Regarding the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Dendias stated that Greece supports reaching a solution of a political compromise in accordance to International Law and the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

Dendias briefed his counterpart on Greek-Turkish relations, saying that Greece favours a constructive dialogue with Turkey on the basis of the International Law and the Law of the Sea. It is not Greece that wishes for or fosters tension and escalation, he underlined. Referring to similar challenges facing the Western Balkan region as well, Dendias said: "While the international community's attention is focused on Ukraine, revisionist forces are active in the Balkans too," while several forces are opposed to Serbia's accession to the EU.

Finally, Dendias said he appreciated the fact Athens was Dačić's first visit outside Serbia after assuming his duties, and revealed he planned to reciprocate the visit soon.

Dačić

Serbia "strongly and consistently supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greece and Cyprus, both on land, at sea and in the air, and therefore Greece's sovereignty over all its islands in the Aegean is not disputed," stressed Dačić in his statements.

Dačić also underlined the traditional alliances and shared historical ties of the two countries and noted, "We expect our friends, Greece, that it will not change its position regarding the territorial integrity of Serbia."

His country seeks a political solution to the issue with Pristina, he noted, and "any recognition of Kosovo or its acceptance in international organizations will be considered an attack on Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty." Specifically, he said, although his country supports the Brussels Agreement and a political resolution through dialogue, it cannot take such a resolution for granted.

Following their meeting, Dendias held a working lunch for his visiting Serbian counterpart.