Mrkic, Kurz discuss strengthening of bilateral relations

BELGRADE - Serbian Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic and his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz conferred in Belgrade on Wednesday over the strengthening of the two countries' political dialogue and economic cooperation.

The ministers agreed that the improvement of the political dialogue and overall bilateral relations serves mutual interests, states the release issued by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mrkic and Kurz discussed Serbia's European integration, cooperation within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the situation in the Western Balkan region.

Austria will continue supporting Serbia in the EU accession talks and it is willing to offer advisory, technical, educative and other modes of assistance, especially concerning twinning projects, Kurz said.

Mrkic expressed gratitude over the increase of the Austrian contingent in Kosovo-Metohija and noted that Serbia is interested in developing economic ties and increase of Austrian investments in Serbia.

On Wednesday, Kurz also conferred with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and he also participated in the conference entitled 'Business bridge Serbia-Austria-Europe' organised in the Serbian Chamber of Commerce to mark the constitution of the Serbian Economic Senate.

From Belgrade, Kurz will travel to Pristina where he will confer with Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci and Foreign Minister Enver Hodzaj on Thursday.