Djuric: Serbia interested in developing close political, economic ties with Benin

COTONOU - Serbian FM Marko Djuric, who is on an official visit to Benin, said on Tuesday in Cotonou that Serbia and Benin shared common values - above all, respect for the UN Charter and a wish to see a peaceful resolution of disputes among big powers.

"Serbia is very much interested in pursuing close connections with Benin," Djuric said at a press conference with Beninese FM Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.

"I strongly believe that the future belongs to countries such as Benin and Serbia, which are focused on the well-being and the economic growth of their nations and their peoples," Djuric said.

He said a meeting with Bakari had also addressed cooperation in the education sector and that Serbia was ready to award numerous scholarships to Beninese students, as well as to send young Serbian professionals to Benin.

Djuric said he was honoured to be the first Serbian FM visiting Benin and added that, during Bakari's visit to Belgrade, "we already established huge parallels between our approaches to a number of global issues."

He said he would meet with numerous senior Beninese government officials and ministers for "concrete political consultations" on development of bilateral political and economic relations.

"During my visit, I saw numerous construction sites here in Cotonou, and I see the dynamic shift and pace and development, which is a legacy of President Talon and this administration. I really want to commend and congratulate our hosts on everything they are accomplishing, everything that we can see," Djuric said, adding that "many things will be accomplished" once Serbian companies partnered with Beninese firms, as well as once Serbian scientists and intellectuals partnered with colleagues from Benin.

Bakari said the two countries shared common values and that Djuric's visit was very important to Benin.

He said the two sides had agreed to "continue working to strengthen the relations between our two countries in order to make it a strong partnership for the well-being of our populations."