Joint statement of the President of the Republic of Belarus and the President of the Republic of Serbia

On the invitation of President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko paid a return official visit to the Republic of Serbia on 11-12 June 2014.

At the negotiations held in the atmosphere of friendship, understanding and exceptional trust the Presidents discussed the current state and prospects of the Belarusian-Serbian relations in detail, shared opinions on the urgent international and regional issues.

The two Presidents are interested in further enhancement of long-term mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries on the bilateral and multilateral agenda. Therefore, in the year when Belarus and Serbia mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations the Presidents

• praised positive dynamics in Belarus-Serbia all-round cooperation based on traditionally close spiritual and cultural ties, Slavonic unity and numerous contacts;

• hailed the results of and progress in the cooperation in various avenues which were achieved after the top-level meeting in Minsk in 2013, confirmed mutual eagerness to maintain regular bilateral political dialogue at the high and highest levels, promote dynamic development of inter-parliamentary ties, improve existing and create new mechanisms of the Serbian-Belarusian interaction in trade and economy, expand of the legal framework of cooperation;

• pointed out the commitment of the two countries to observe universal norms of the international law, objectives and principles of the United Nations Organization, to enhance the UNO’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security, to respond to modern challenges and threats, to promote peaceful regulation of international conflicts and disputes.

The Republic of Serbia thanked the Republic of Belarus for the consistent support of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sides pointed out the need to work out a comprehensive solution regarding Kosovo and Metohija, the importance of political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina for the promotion of stability in the region.

The Presidents of Serbia and Belarus agreed to expand cooperation in regional associations and initiatives.

Taking into account the forthcoming presidency of Serbia in the OSCE in 2015, the Presidents confirmed the readiness of the two countries to boost bilateral cooperation within the framework of this European organization in order to ensure equal and balanced dialogue on security and cooperation. The sides are eager to observe the major principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the consensus principle. The Presidents also deemed it necessary to raise the efficiency of the OSCE and to continue the process of international legalization of the organization.

The two heads of state expressed confidence that only unhampered, equal and constructive dialogue can help handle international disputes. They also acknowledged that it is essential to step up efforts to facilitate this dialogue.

The Presidents were satisfied with the positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation and deemed it necessary to step up efforts to

• increase and diversify trade, jointly look for new economic cooperation avenues with a view to promoting the grow of the national economies and improving the wellbeing of people in the two countries;

• use the potential of the Serbia-Belarus inter-parliamentary commission for trade and economic cooperation as an effective tool for boosting trade and economic relations, create new mechanisms of cooperation;

• enhance cooperation in machine-building, agriculture, transport and energy sector, food and wood processing industries;

• promote industrial cooperation, ensure vibrant operation of joint ventures and implement new projects on the territory of the both countries;

• enhance regional ties by organizing mutual visits of delegations, increasing the number of twin towns, developing and implementing joint programs of regional cooperation, partaking in exhibitions and fairs;

• create favorable conditions for expanding contacts between Serbian and Belarusian business communities, promote interaction between chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries;

• step up scientific and technical cooperation and enhance bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism, education and other areas.

The Presidents pointed out new opportunities for the development of trade and economic relations created by Belarus’ membership in the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. They also emphasized the importance of free trade agreements signed between the Republic of Serbia and the Customs Union member states and expressed interest in enhancing trade and economic relations within the framework of the aforementioned integration association.

The Presidents stressed that the agreements which were adopted at the negotiations will expand the legal framework of bilateral relations. They pointed out the need to continue improving the legal framework of cooperation.

The Presidents praised the results of work that was done by the Serbia-Belarus inter-parliamentary commission for trade and economic cooperation, the Serbia-Belarus joint commission for scientific and technical cooperation. They also hailed the adoption of the roadmap to promote cooperation between Serbia and Belarus. The heads of state deemed it necessary to advance the bilateral trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation to a brand-new level.

The Presidents expressed eagerness to ensure effective realization of agreements in order to bolster Belarus-Serbia bilateral relations based on the principles of mutual respect and equal partnership.

President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić  and the Serbian people for the warm welcome and hospitality.