On a visit following the 21 January launch of Serbia’s EU accession negotiations, the Foreign Ministry’s Secretary General Michele Valensise will hold meetings today in Belgrade in confirmation of Italy’s support for Serbia’s EU membership and to promote economic cooperation aimed at fostering the growth of Italian businesses there.
Europe and economic cooperation
Valensise will discuss these topics with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Snezana Jankovic, along with regional issues and dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Ahead of Italy’s EU presidency in the second half of this year, the S-G will also meet with Serbia’s head negotiator with the EU, Tanja Miscevic to examine possible forms of Italian assistance, particularly in the sectors of justice and home affairs. These will also be the themes Ambassador Valensise will discuss with Secretary of State for Home Affairs Vanja Vukic and Secretary of State for Justice Cedomir Backovic.
Growth Diplomacy
Growth diplomacy, one of the Italian foreign ministry’s priorities and strongly supported by Minister Emma Bonino, will be the focus of Valensise’s encounters with the ministers and officials of Serbia’s economic ministries, along with representatives of Italian unions and businesses operating in Serbia. Italy, a traditional supporter of Belgrade’s European aspirations, was Serbia’s top trade partner and foreign investor in 2013.
