Selakovic noted that our countries were bound by historical closeness and friendship, stating that France was one of the most important political and economic partners of Serbia.

In the conversation with senators and deputies, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the fact that the overall cooperation between the two countries was constantly progressing and that the political dialogue was excellent, but also assessed that Serbia, in accordance with the strategic partnership, was committed to further enhancing relations with France.

We are witnessing the intensification of our relations, which followed after President Macron's visit to Serbia in 2019, when the partnership between the two countries gained strength, said Selakovic, adding that the cooperation had particularly intensified in the field of economy.

The Minister pointed out that France was a very important economic partner and increasingly present as an investor in Serbia, adding that he was especially pleased that French businesspersons were continuously showing interest in doing business in our country. He emphasized that Serbia had attracted as much as 80 percent of French investments in the entire region.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that our country was committed to regional stability and economic development and connecting the entire region, while informing his interlocutors about the "Open Balkan" initiative of the Serbian President, the importance of which had so far been recognized by Albania and North Macedonia.

Selakovic also informed his collocutors about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as about the course of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. He said that the only way to reach a sustainable solution was through dialogue, emphasizing that Belgrade, regardless of Pristina's obstructions, remained consistent in that position.

The Minister thanked France for the support it provided to the progress of our European integration, stating that the recent opening of a cluster was a valorization of the reforms implemented by Serbia. He pointed out that our country would continue to work even more dynamically on the reform process, and that we hoped that this would lead to the opening of new clusters, especially during the upcoming French Presidency of the Council of the EU.

When it comes to parliamentary cooperation, Selakovic pointed out that it had intensified in the recent years, adding that it would be very significant if the President of the Senate Gérard Larcher, as well as senators and deputies visited Serbia in the period ahead.

16 December 2021