Belgrade, March 25, 2002 - The visit by Dutch Prime Minister Vim Kok to Belgrade is a sign that the EU continues to support the Serbian government in the implementation of reforms, said Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic after a meeting between the prime ministers.
After the signing of an agreement on redefining relations between Serbia and Montenegro, it is in the interest of both republics to gain the support of EU countries for faster association and integration in Europe, as well as support to institutional reforms.
"In the next few months it will be imperative that the EU support the integration of both the region and our country in Europe. I am pleased to say that we have gained this support from the Netherlands," said Djindjic.
Expert talks on Dutch government guarantees for insuring investments in Serbia will begin in ten days, which will encourage Dutch companies to enter the Serbian market. Serbia has so far already obtained such guarantees from the governments of Italy, Germany and Austria, and negotiations with other countries are underway.
Prime Minister Kok said after the meeting that the agreement on redefining relations between Serbia and Montenegro within a joint state, which was encouraged by the EU, is "very important" for the country's future.
"The European Union's active role in reaching the agreement shows that we consider it very important that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continues to work actively on the process of integration with the EU," said Kok.
In order for the process to be successful, Yugoslavia must respect its international obligations, first and foremost cooperation with The Hague tribunal, which means extradition of Hague indictees, said Kok.
"I don't see an alternative to cooperation…We must choose between a renewed blockade and further integration in EU, because integration is impossible without full cooperation," said Djindjic.
