Macut: Paraguay firmly stands by position of not recognising so-called Kosovo

DUBAI - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met on Thursday with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.

"In a friendly and open conversation, it was emphasised that diplomatic relations between Serbia and Paraguay have existed since 1883, and that the two countries have traditionally fostered good and partnership relations," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"The President of Paraguay confirmed that his country, despite numerous pressures, remains firmly committed to not recognising the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, highlighting the importance of respecting international law and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia.

He also emphasised that in talks with countries in the region, such as Argentina and Bolivia, as well as in Washington, he will raise issues of further improving cooperation with the Republic of Serbia.

Paraguayan Minister of Industry Javier Jimenez congratulated Serbia on what he said was an exceptional rehabilitation of the national economy.

Prime Minister Macut emphasised that the results achieved were largely due to the vision and policy of President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic.

The interlocutors agreed that the dialogue would continue in the coming period, taking into account the large number of common topics and the significant potential for the development of economic and industrial cooperation between Serbia and Paraguay," it also said.