Serbian FM on Karabakh, Kosovo at Yerevan meeting

 March 10, 2014 - 17:12 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Serbian counterpart Ivan Mrkic agreed in Yerevan on Monday, March 10 that relations between the two countries need to be strengthened, with signing of relevant agreements to create legal framework for promotion of closer ties, Tanjug reported.

"We are happy to be in friendly Armenia. The friendship between Serbia and Armenia spans over many years, and on these foundations, we will build our future cooperation," Mrkic said after the talks.

At a joint press conference, Nalbandian noted that the current scope of cooperation does not reflect the real potentials of both Serbia and Armenia, which is also illustrated by the fact that they have so far signed only five agreements, with another one signed today (March 10) - an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

Nalbandian further pointed out tourism, industry, banking sector and finance as fields offering the greatest prospects for economic cooperation.

The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue on the normalization of relations, and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were also on the agenda.

Serbia backs the OSCE Minsk Group's Madrid principles for the Karabakh conflict settlement, Mrkic said.

As the official further noted, Belgrade-Pristina negotiations can't result in Kosovo recognition.

"We are negotiating with the administration in an effort to normalize relations and ensure proper living conditions for all citizens in Kosovo, but there is no mention of the recognition of Kosovo," Mrkic told reporters.

He noted that last year the agreement on the normalization of relations was signed in Brussels, and that the negotiating process is under way which should allow for pacification of the region and introduction of rules that will enable cooperation with Pristina.

According to Serbia's government website, Mrkic also met with President Serzh Sargsyan, who agreed with Mrkic that the time has come for the two countries to lay the foundation for the improvement of future cooperation in all directions.

Sargsyan pointed out that Serbia and Armenia are connected by centuries of friendship.

He invited Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic to visit Yerevan.

During his two-day visit, Mrkic will also have meetings with Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan.