"Good relations with Russia and EU - Serbia's advantage"

"Good relations with Russia and EU - Serbia's advantage"

He pointed out that the experience of a post-conflict society would be another advantage.

On the eve of the annual ministerial meeting of the OSCE, Dacic told the Beta news agency that conflict areas occupy an important place on the agenda of the organization, and that this refers not only to Ukraine, but also to Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, and Georgia.

"We firmly believe, and I am sure that our belief is shared by other members of the OSCE, that the experience we have as a post-conflict society built on a series of negotiations and agreements, can not only contribute, but also be a valuable negotiating advantage when dealing with these issues," the minister said.

Dacic added that the same applies to the position of Serbia as a candidate for membership in the EU, which at the same time has a traditionally close relationship with Russia.

"I am confident that, after our one-year presidency, everyone will be clear that such a position is an advantage - we have good relations with both Brussels and Moscow, do not hide our intention to nurture both, guided always and above all by our national interests," said Dacic.

He added that "both Brussels and Moscow understand this position precisely because of the principled and increasingly successful foreign policy of Serbia, which will focus next year on the OSCE presidency."

"I believe that this opportunity will only further strengthen our reputation as a serious and credible partner in international relations, since I know that we are thoroughly prepared and all the qualities we bring to the role of the chair," concluded the head of the Serbian diplomacy.

The two-day ministerial meeting of the OSCE which begins on Thursday in Basel will mark the end of Switzerland's presidency.