Serbia to continue participating in UN peacekeeping ops

Serbia to continue participating in UN peacekeeping ops

Vucic said that Serbia was, when it comes to the number of members of its armed forces in the UN peacekeeping forces, among top ten countries in Europe and the region's leader, adding that the participation of Serbian soldiers "contributes much to their training and professional development."

Wane said during the meeting that the UN appreciates Serbia's engagement in its peacekeeping operations, as a great contribution to the preservation of peace and security in the world. He also pointed to the necessity of making progress in implementation of the Brussels agreement - reached during EU-sponsored Belgrade-Pristina dialogue - especially when it comes to the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo.

Vucic said he was grateful for the presence and activities of the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, "as the guarantor of the status-neutrality of international presence in Kosovo and Metohija, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244." He added that Belgrade remains committed to continuing the dialogue with Pristina.

Wane also conveyed the greetings of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and congratulated Vucic on the recent election victory of his party, adding that he was confident Serbia's new government would to continue the good cooperation with the UN in all fields.

As announced, while in Belgrade, the UN official will also be received by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, and Director of the Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric.