Djuric: Serbia has no closer friend than Hungary

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Wednesday Serbia had no closer or better friend than Hungary and that the cooperation between the two countries had become the best possible example of European cooperation and advancement of relations between countries.

At a press conference with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, Djuric said they had also discussed ways to expedite the construction of new oil and gas pipelines to ensure greater energy security to both countries.

"It is clear that, in the times we live in, we cannot depend only on one supply route and, if we want to create good economic conditions, that is the necessary precondition," Djuric said.

"In challenging times such as these, there is a clear need to strengthen and step up the communication and ties between the two countries in the energy sphere, as well as in people-to-people exchange and transport communications," he said.

Djuric also said the cooperation between the Serbian and Hungarian diplomatic networks must be strengthened.

"Since our relations are strategic in nature and our political coordination is at an all-time high, it is logical that we boost our relations in that area as well," Djuric said.

He said Hungary was showing great understanding for Serbia's EU integration and the issue of the position and the rights of Serbs beyond Serbia's borders - in the region - in line with agreements from Brussels and Dayton, respectively.

"We are extremely grateful for that. I would like to thank our Hungarian friends once again for the excellent relations between our national communities. To me, the way the Hungarian state treats the Serb community in Hungary is a fantastic example and we are trying, and we want, to further strengthen and advance the position of the Hungarian community and Hungarian people in Serbia, while also cherishing the memory of Istvan Pastor," he noted.

Djuric and Szijjarto signed a protocol on joint use of diplomatic and consular offices in Thessaloniki.