Dacic speaks with Manalo in Jakarta

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic met with the Philippines' FM Enrique Manalo on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN summit in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The ministers discussed advancement of bilateral relations, to be boosted further by Monday's signing of an instrument on Serbia's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Bilaterally, the discussion focused on strengthening of political dialogue at high and the highest level through exchanging visits and signing a MoU on bilateral political consultations - which is under preparation - as well as through further development of economic, cultural, educational and scientific and technical cooperation.

The parties discussed mechanisms and modalities ensured by ASEAN through advancement of political, trade and economic ties with member states as well as within broader multilateral frameworks.

Dacic thanked the Philippines for its principled and consistent support to preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, also reflected in its support in international organisations, and expressed the hope it would be continued in the future, the statement said.