Macut, Cypriot ambassador discuss advancement of bilateral relations

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met with Cypriot Ambassador to Belgrade Andreas Photiou on Wednesday to discuss advancement of bilateral relations, which are based on traditional friendship and closeness between the two peoples.

Macut noted that this year marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Cyprus and that Serbia attached special importance to deepening its ties and cooperation with Cyprus.

He said Serbia and Cyprus would continue their intensive political dialogue in the period to come.

"The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Cyprus’s continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, that is, for its consistent and principled position on non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of 'Kosovo'. Macut stated that Serbia also provides full and unreserved support for preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cyprus, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions," a government statement said.

"The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Cyprus for its support in the process of Serbia’s European integration, as well as his belief that support will not be lacking during the country’s presidency of the Council of the EU," it said.

Macut said Serbia was interested in further advancement of economic cooperation between the two countries, especially trade.

"We encourage the Cypriot business community to invest in Serbia, whose economic growth is among the highest in Europe and which guarantees investment security and numerous benefits to foreign investors," Macut said.

"Photiou expressed the belief that the relations between the two countries, which are linked by strong friendship and historically confirmed closeness, will be advanced further, and particularly emphasised the importance of economic cooperation, investments and tourism," the statement also said.