Tajani: Balkans has strategic significance

BELGRADE - Italian FM Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday in Belgrade Italy wanted greater presence in Serbia and the Balkans, which he noted had strategic significance.

The region must feel loved and valued by neighbouring countries, Tajani said.

"We have started from a large Balkan country that is an EU membership candidate. It is a political commitment Italy has worked for to re-establish presence in Serbia and all parts of the Balkans," Tajani said at the opening of a Serbia-Italy business and scientific forum.

He thanked Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the Serbian government for everything they were doing for peace in the Balkans.

"I believe Vucic and the government will contribute to development of cooperation between the two countries and build an important path to stability in the Balkans and entire Europe," Tajani said.

He said Italy was a financially developed country with four million SMEs, and added that he was confident it was capable of exporting its know-how and products.

"We must internationalise the operations of companies by cooperating with friendly countries and establishing joint ventures to the benefit of Serbia and Italy, as well as boost Serbia's candidacy," Tajani said.

"We want Serbia in the EU and we want it to attain effective membership. We want to create jobs. We are facing challenges such as the fight against climate change. We must cooperate in fundamental sectors. It is important that businesspeople meet and together build something to the benefit of our countries, and that we commit to science and research, without which there is no growth. The connection between the economy and scientific cooperation between our countries is crucial," Tajani said.

He added that Monday's ministerial meeting in Brussels had addressed the situation in the Balkans, as well as opportunities the Balkans offered to Europe and its companies.

Tajani also thanked Italian troops in Kosovo-Metohija for guaranteeing the inviolability of Serbian monasteries.

"It is right to preserve the Christian roots that are the foundation of our identity. We are ready for dialogue, and I believe the Serbs understand that," Tajani concluded.