Djerlek visits Eritrea

ASMARA - Serbia's Minister for Equal Regional Development Edin Djerlek met on Wednesday in Asmara with Eritrean FM Osman Saleh Mohammed to discuss bilateral relations and advancement of overall cooperation.

Djerlek noted that his trip to Eritrea was the first official visit to the country by a Serbian official since the establishment of Serbia-Eritrea diplomatic relations.

He said he was pleased to be the first Serbian official to make such a significant step towards advancement of dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

According to a statement released by his ministry, Djerlek said Serbia was committed to maintain and advance its relations with Ertirea as a traditionally friendly country.

He said the relations were based on common values represented by Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member states.

He noted that the Eritrean FM had visited Serbia for a commemorative conference marking the 60th anniversary of the NAM, and said there was a need to intensify political dialogue and cooperation and establish a continuity in that regard for the sake of mutual interests.

In view of the fact that the foreign ministries of the two countries have signed a MoU, Djerlek said there was potential for further strengthening of all forms of bilateral cooperation, especially in trade, agriculture and mining, the statement said.

Djerlek said that, in view of the economic capabilities of the two countries, he believed the volume of bilateral trade could reach a satisfactory level.

Mohammed said the two countries and peoples had historical ties and shared similar values, and added that Eritrea would continue to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and its interests in the international arena.

Djerlek thanked Eritrea for its consistent support for Serbia's foreign policy priorities and expressed the expectation the support would be continued in the future.