At a joint press conference after the meeting in Paris, Selakovic pointed out that the ties between the two countries were additionally strengthened in the previous period, owing to the relations between Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Emmanuel Macron.

According to Minister Selakovic, a number of topics were discussed during today's talks, such as the deepening of bilateral cooperation and economic relations, implementation of the launched joint projects, France's support to Serbia's European integration process, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the situation in the Western Balkans.

"We are proud of our economic cooperation. In the previous period, Serbia attracted 80 percent of all French investments in our region, which indicates the very good cooperation we have with French companies", Selakovic pointed out.

The Minister described the support of France in the process of EU membership negotiations as very important for Serbia.

"I take this opportunity to thank you for your support and to invite you to Belgrade. You should know that you are always welcome in Serbia", Selakovic told his French counterpart.

Minister Le Drian expressed satisfaction with the first meeting with Minister Selakovic, noting that the relations between the two countries were deep.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that his country supported the European perspective of Serbia and the Western Balkans.

"Our political relations are guided by the strategic partnership and we have regular contacts at the highest level reflecting that", Le Drian said.

He pointed out that he was very pleased with the dynamic of relations with Serbia at the bilateral level and that he wanted that dynamic to intensify, on which the two ministries would work together.

Welcoming the opening of a new cluster in the negotiations, the Head of French diplomacy said that his country supported Serbia on its EU path, both politically and by providing concrete technical assistance.

According to him, a lot needed to be done in order to continue the reforms in Serbia and for them to give the expected results.

Minister Le Drian emphasized the importance of consolidating good-neighbourly relations, cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans, calling on Belgrade and Pristina to continue the dialogue in the direction of reaching a comprehensive legally binding agreement.

"Relations between the EU and the Western Balkans will be an important element of the French EU Presidency, and a few days ago, President Macron announced a conference on the Western Balkans for June 2022", concluded Minister Le Drian.

16 December 2021