Dussey: Togo's derecogntion of Kosovo definitive

BELGRADE - Togolese FM Robert Dussey said on Monday in Belgrade he had offered assurances to Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic that Togo's support for the defence of the territorial integrity of Serbia was unreserved.

"In Togo, we recognise only one, single Serbia. I am glad you mentioned the derecognition of Kosovo - that derecognition is definitive," Dussey told Dacic at a press conference in the building of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dussey also said the 54 African countries represented in the UN accounted for one third of the organisation's member states.

He noted that, at one point, Serbia's diplomats had given up on Africa but that Dacic had reestablished cooperation.

"Please do not leave Africa - you are doing a good job," Dussey told Dacic, thanking him for the cooperation.

Dacic and Dussey signed an agreement on abolishing visas for holders of diplomatic passports.

"We want stronger cooperation in several sectors, from education to the economy, and greater trade. We would also like to boost cooperation in tourism and agriculture," Dussey said.

Dacic said he had had many meetings with Dussey on many occasions, including during a visit to Togo in May 2019.

"Serbia, or the former Yugoslavia, and Togo are connected by traditional friendship that might have been forgotten at some point. We want to renew and strengthen that cooperation and friendship," Dacic said.

He said there was ample space for advancement of bilateral relations and that Serbia must cherish old friendships and seek common interests with friendly countries in a global situation that was not easy.

"Serbia has committed to develop relations with African states," Dacic said, recalling that, after his visit, Togo had decided to derecognise the so-called Kosovo.

Thanking Togo for the decision, Dacic noted that 27 countries had derecognised the so-called Kosovo, creating a chance for agreement and dialogue.

"Those who want an independent Kosovo want to achieve that by taking shortcuts or through outvoting in certain forums. We have prevented that and put dialogue back on the scene," Dacic said.