Serbian, Ethiopian MFAs sign MoU

Serbian FM Vuk Jeremic and his Ethiopian counterpart Haile-Mariam Desalegne signed in Addis Ababa a memorandum of understanding between the two ministries. The document "should contribute to further enhancement of traditionally good relations between the two countries". Serbian, Ethiopian MFAs sign MoU Underscoring the importance of maintaining regular direct contacts between the two ministries' representatives, Jeremic stated that such opportunities should not be used for discussion of international agreements solely, but that they should also be used for development of bilateral cooperation which should improve in the time to come. Jeremic expressed satisfaction over the possibility for him to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, and said that he is sure the relations would continue to improve in the years to come, Jeremic said after signing the memorandum. The Serbian minister invited his Ethiopian colleague to visit Serbia and stated that the two countries share considerable potential for development of cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, education and many other areas. He reiterated Serbia's gratitude for Ethiopia's solidarity when it comes to the issue which Serbia finds very important, that is, respecting international law, peace, security and cooperation, Jeremic stated. The Ethiopian minister pointed out that not only does the memorandum signed on Friday bear relevance for the bilateral relations, it also opens room for cooperation on the regional and global level. The agreement testifies of the maturity of our partnership and mutual trust, the Ethiopian minister stated. On the margins of the final session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa on Friday, Jeremic had a series of bilateral relations with representatives of African countries. The Serbian minister and his colleagues from Africa discussed the stand of African countries as regards Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence and other bilateral topics, primarily the possibilities fro development of economic cooperation. The 2012 African Union Summit focusing on encouragement of inter-African commercial cooperation, was attended by Serbia's delegation in the role of an observer and high representatives of many other non-African countries. Vuk Jeremic (Tanjug, file) "False announcements" Vuk Jeremic said on Friday that a number of African countries had denied the claims by media in Pristina that said they had decided to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo or had already done so. "In the Central African Republic, for example, a great deal of money was given to get the recognition, but money does not always get you what you desire. You cannot buy everything with money, and in the case of the Central African Republic, that has been confirmed," Jeremic told Tanjug after a three-day visit to Ethiopia. Jeremic, who had around 40 bilateral meetings during a session of the Executive Council of the African Union, stated that the foreign ministers of Nigeria and South Africa had said their countries would not recognize Kosovo. "The press in Pristina reported they too could change their view. We received confirmation that they do not recognize Kosovo and have no intention of doing so. We can say that the most influential countries in Africa have stayed true to the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations," Jeremic remarked. According to him, Ethiopia's view, as one of the continent's key countries and the seat of the African Union, remains firm. "The relations with Ethiopia are strong and friendly. Ethiopia respects Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will do so in the future as well," he stressed. Kosovo's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence four years ago. Serbia rejects the proclamation. Tanjug

Serbian, Ethiopian MFAs sign MoU

Underscoring the importance of maintaining regular direct contacts between the two ministries' representatives, Jeremić stated that such opportunities should not be used for discussion of international agreements solely, but that they should also be used for development of bilateral cooperation which should improve in the time to come.

Jeremić expressed satisfaction over the possibility for him to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, and said that he is sure the relations would continue to improve in the years to come, Jeremić said after signing the memorandum.

The Serbian minister invited his Ethiopian colleague to visit Serbia and stated that the two countries share considerable potential for development of cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, education and many other areas.

He reiterated Serbia's gratitude for Ethiopia's solidarity when it comes to the issue which Serbia finds very important, that is, respecting international law, peace, security and cooperation, Jeremić stated.

The Ethiopian minister pointed out that not only does the memorandum signed on Friday bear relevance for the bilateral relations, it also opens room for cooperation on the regional and global level.

The agreement testifies of the maturity of our partnership and mutual trust, the Ethiopian minister stated.

On the margins of the final session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa on Friday, Jeremić had a series of bilateral relations with representatives of African countries.

The Serbian minister and his colleagues from Africa discussed the stand of African countries as regards Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence and other bilateral topics, primarily the possibilities fro development of economic cooperation.

The 2012 African Union Summit focusing on encouragement of inter-African commercial cooperation, was attended by Serbia's delegation in the role of an observer and high representatives of many other non-African countries.

"False announcements"

Vuk Jeremić said on Friday that a number of African countries had denied the claims by media in Priština that said they had decided to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo or had already done so.

"In the Central African Republic, for example, a great deal of money was given to get the recognition, but money does not always get you what you desire. You cannot buy everything with money, and in the case of the Central African Republic, that has been confirmed," Jeremić told Tanjug after a three-day visit to Ethiopia.

Jeremić, who had around 40 bilateral meetings during a session of the Executive Council of the African Union, stated that the foreign ministers of Nigeria and South Africa had said their countries would not recognize Kosovo.

"The press in Priština reported they too could change their view. We received confirmation that they do not recognize Kosovo and have no intention of doing so. We can say that the most influential countries in Africa have stayed true to the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations," Jeremić remarked.

According to him, Ethiopia's view, as one of the continent's key countries and the seat of the African Union, remains firm.

"The relations with Ethiopia are strong and friendly. Ethiopia respects Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will do so in the future as well," he stressed.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence four years ago. Serbia rejects the proclamation.