Djuric meets with Lazaro in Manila

MANILA - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with Philippine FM Theresa Lazaro in Manila on Friday.

Djuric said Serbia highly appreciated the Philippines' efforts "in promoting dialogue on issues of importance for peace and stability in the region," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"Djuric congratulated the Philippines on its successful chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)."

"The Minister emphasised that our country considers the Philippines one of the most important friends and partners in the Southeast Asian region, underscoring that bilateral relations are characterised by mutual respect, appreciation and the absence of open issues.

The head of Serbian diplomacy especially thanked the Philippines for its principled support for preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

The interlocutors agreed that there is a mutual interest in intensifying political dialogue and improving cooperation in areas of common interest.

Djuric expressed his expectation that the Philippines will confirm its participation in the Specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, emphasising that this prestigious event is an important platform for further strengthening of economic ties and establishing new forms of economic cooperation between the two countries," the statement said.

Djuric, who began a visit to the Philippines on Thursday, met with Lazaro at the ASEAN summit in Manila.