Vucic: There are great opportunities to expand cooperation with DR Congo

BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after Friday's meeting with President of DR Congo Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said they had discussed expansion of cooperation in various areas and that there were great opportunities for development of bilateral relations.

"I am very happy we have the president of DR Congo visiting us for a second time here in Belgrade - a man who always brings us understanding from Kinshasa, respect for Serbia and its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and support in international institutions, like we provide support to DR Congo everywhere," Vucic said at a press conference with Tshisekedi.

In the same way DR Congo has safeguarded the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of Serbia, Serbia will safeguard the territorial integrity of DR Congo and respect the UN, its Charter and its resolutions, so that "we are always on the side of law and justice," he said.

"To us, the cooperation with DR Congo is more than an interest-based relationship. It is a relationship of sincere friendship, deep understanding and exceptional mutual respect. I think that, in Europe, Serbia is where the African continent and people from Africa have always been the most popular, due to our attitude to the Non-Aligned Movement," Vucic said.

"We want to work even more in the future to expand the domains of our cooperation, and I believe that today's discussions with the president of DR Congo lead in that direction in the best possible way," he added.

He said the two countries would hold more frequent consultations on all important political issues and cooperation in all international organisations and institutions.

"But today we also discussed cooperation in several different areas," Vucic said, adding that Serbian institutes would help the development of the agriculture industry of DR Congo.

He said the discussions had also addressed cooperation in military technology as the output of Serbia's defence industry far exceeded the country's own needs.

"We also spoke about cooperation in further progress of education for young people who should be a bridge between Serbia and DR Congo, as well as about awarding scholarships," Vucic said.

Tshisekedi thanked Vucic for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of DR Congo.

"My country is the victim of an unjust and barbaric aggression by a neighbouring country, Rwanda, but the fact that we feel supported in such challenges represents both support and consolation. Therefore, I want to thank President Vucic for that," he said.

Tshisekedi said they had discussed several topics, ranging from defence and security to agriculture, education, health care and infrastructure.

"We have quite a few opportunities for countries that wish to be in a partnership with us. We have several sectors in which there are benefits and opportunities - specifically, I am referring to the mining sector, as well as to the environment, agriculture and infrastructure," he said.

Thanking Vucic for a warm welcome, Tshisekedi said they would continue discussions at a dinner.