Dacic: Belgrade-Zagreb relations should be redefined

ZAGREB - Serbian FM Ivica Dacic said on Friday in Zagreb dialogue on equal grounds and with mutual respect was the path to a resolution of open issues between Serbia and Croatia.

At a Christmas reception hosted by the Serb National Council, Dacic said his message was that the two countries should try to find a common interest even when they did not think alike.

"I do not believe we are the dearest to each other, but we are where we are, and we must live together, and in peace," Dacic said.

He noted that Serbia was aware some open issues were difficult and serious and could not be resolved in a short period of time, but recognised that there was space and a need to advance the relationship.

"That is possible only through normalisation of the general political narrative and dialogue," he said.

He said that, besides sending a message of care for ethnic Serbs in Croatia, his visit to Zagreb highlighted a need for dialogue and redefining the Belgrade-Zagreb relations.

"We do not think alike and we must talk and seek agreements," Dacic said.

Besides Serb National Council President Milorad Pupovac, who was the host of the reception, the event was also attended by Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic, Serbian government ministers Tanja Miscevic and Tomislav Zigmanov and public figures from both countries.