Regional cooperation with neighboring countries (and Turkey) Chapter 31 Foreign, security and defence policy Serbia, Bilateral Screening, Brussels, October 10, 2014
Foreign Policy Goals of the Republic of Serbia Political stability, economic prosperity, safe, and legally secure environment in Western Balkans, SEE, Europe and wider. Republic of Serbia sees the Western Balkans as a region without visas and without customs - an area of free movement of people, goods and capital.
Regional cooperation with neighboring countries (and Turkey) Republic of Serbia is firmly committed to developing relations with all the states of the SEE. The government is committed to resolve all issues trough open bilateral dialogue. One of the main Serbian foreign policy priorities is pursuing an active policy aimed at strengthening regional confidence. Good-neighborly relations are in line with Serbia s efforts to contribute to the peace and stability in the region. This is a precondition for the development of the Republic of Serbia, as well as of the whole region. The overall investments from the region is modest, lagging behind the trade.
Borders Significant issue in the coming period is the continuation and conclusion of negotiations on definition and identification of borders with the neighboring countries. Demarcation with R. Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro is one of the sensitive issues and a matter of priority in bilateral relations. Serbia s aim is to conclude international agreements on the identification of state borders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Republic of Serbia is one of the signatories of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement of 1995. Republic of Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the constitutional position of Republika Srpska in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement. Republic of Serbia supports any consensual agreement reached by the three peoples and two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Intensive political dialogue at the highest level between Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is present. A joint session of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina is planned in line with DPA A total of 59 intergovernmental agreements, protocols and memoranda were signed and entered into force, and five more are in the process of ratification.
Republic of Macedonia Relations of the Republic of Serbia with Macedonia are traditionally good and friendly. Developed cooperation is present in many areas. One joint meeting of the two Governments was held in Belgrade. The next one is planned for November 2014. 44 bilateral agreements are in force, and three more are in the process of ratification; A bilateral agreement is signed on the joint use of premises of diplomatic-consular missions where there is an interest and practical possibilities.
Republic of Croatia Serbia is committed to establishing with Croatia good neighborly relations based on European values. Relations of RS and Croatia have been improved, but still are marked with a number of outstanding issues, including a lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia before the International Court of Justice (1999). Serbia responded by filing its Counter- Memorial charges (2010). Regular dialogue at the highest political level has been established.
Republic of Croatia Serbia and Croatia have created six Joint Committees / expert groups for outstanding bilateral issues from the past. 43 bilateral agreements continue in force, and five more are in the process of ratification.
Montenegro Republic of Serbia established intensive political dialogue at high level, which led to tangible progress in bilateral relations. 34 bilateral agreements are in force, and eight more are in the process of ratification. Since 2006, Republic of Serbia has been providing consular protection to citizens of Montenegro abroad (bilateral agreement on the issue was signed in 2013.).
Albania In relations with Albania, priority of the Republic of Serbia is to strengthen political dialogue, economic cooperation and contractual relationships. Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania E. Rama will visit the Republic of Serbia (22 October 2014). The first top level visit, after many decades, will give an additional impetus to the normalization of relations. There are 57 bilateral agreements in force, and six more are in the process of ratification.
Bulgaria Relations of the Republic of Serbia with Bulgaria are stable and on an ascending line. There are 118 bilateral agreements in force and six more are in the process of ratification.
Hungary Both sides assess their political relations as the best so far. The goal is to intensify economic cooperation and build infrastructure projects of regional importance: reconstruction and construction of the Belgrade-Budapest rail (financed by Chinese CEEC funds). The two governments confirmed their commitment to resolve all issues, through a transparent and efficient bilateral dialogue; There are 125 agreements in force, and four more in the process of ratification.
Romania The relations have been traditionally good. Both sides are committed to intensive and constructive political dialogue at all levels, and to addressing outstanding issues. Consolidation of the bilateral legal framework is in progress. There are 122 bilateral agreements in force and three more in the process of ratification.
Turkey Turkey is an important factor in the region. Therefore, Republic of Serbia wants to maintain constructive relations. The aim is to improve the bilateral dialogue in all areas of common interest. There are 49 bilateral agreements in force, and five more await ratification. Republic of Serbia is interested in the consolidation and completion of contractual and legal framework.
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