Starovic, Ferrari discuss bilateral cooperation, Serbia's EU path

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic met with French Ambassador to Belgrade Florence Ferrari on Tuesday to discuss further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Serbia and France and Serbia's EU path.

They highlighted the significance of intensive political dialogue and a strategic partnership being developed by the two countries based on years-long friendly relations, the Ministry for European Integration said.

Starovic noted that EU membership remained Serbia's strategic commitment and one of its key foreign policy priorities.

He said the Serbian government was committed to carrying out reforms leading to further alignment with European standards, strengthening of institutions, rule of law and improvement of the citizens' quality of life.

He noted the significance of carrying out a Reform Agenda and an EU Western Balkans Growth Plan as important instruments bringing Serbia economically closer to the EU Single Market.

Speaking about the EU integration process, Starovic said Serbia supported initiatives enabling a gradual inclusion of candidate countries into certain EU policies and programmes even before formal membership.

He added that the approach brought concrete benefits to citizens and businesses, encouraged reforms further and represented an important step towards full membership.

Starovic thanked France for its constant political and technical support for Serbia's EU path and for its efforts to make the enlargement process more efficient and more credible.