Serbia and Albania have reached a preliminary agreement to open consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc, according to Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Gjurić, who said the agreement was reached during his meeting with Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha.
In an interview with Radio Belgrade, Gjurić said the opening of the two consulates would represent a step toward strengthening relations between the two countries.
“I am pleased that I had constructive discussions with Albania’s new Foreign Minister, Ferit Hoxha, with whom we reached an agreement in principle on opening consulates of both countries in Shkodër and Bujanoc,” Gjurić said.
Speaking about European integration, the Serbian foreign minister said that Serbia has accelerated the implementation of reforms related to the European Union agenda, stressing that EU membership remains a national interest for Belgrade.
According to him, most of Serbia’s economic exchanges take place with EU countries and the region, making it important, as he said, for Serbia to be part of European decision-making processes.
Gjurić also discussed relations with the Czech Republic, describing it as an important partner for Serbia in Central Europe. He said that during his visit to Prague, he held talks with Czech Foreign Minister Petr Mačenka, who allegedly stated that previous Czech governments recognized Kosovo under pressure.
Commenting on the issue of the former General Staff building in Belgrade, the Serbian minister defended Culture Minister Nikola Selaković, saying he acted in accordance with the law and in the interest of the state. He described accusations against Selaković and other officials as a campaign against Serbia’s state and national interests.
