Serbian, Finnish FMs talk EU bid, Ukraine

Serbian, Finnish FMs talk EU bid, Ukraine

In a joint press conference, Tuomioja expressed hope that the negotiating chapters will be opened soon and closed as promptly as possible.

Noting that the Finnish-Serbian relations are friendly and on an upward path, and with no open issues, Dačić thanked Finland on its support to Serbia in the European integration process.

Dačić also announced that Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić is scheduled to visit Finland in January.

"Our economic relations are on the rise as well. There are several major Finnish investments in Serbia and we expect the level of economic cooperation to increase further in years to come," said Dačić.

Dačić once again stressed that the EU membership is a priority for Serbia, adding that the country will align its legislation and policies with the EU by the end of accession talks.

"However, our EU integration policy is not at odds with our good relations with non-EU members that are our traditional friends. In saying this, I am referring not only to Russia, but also to China and many Asian, African and Latin American countries,” said Dačić, adding that good relations with those countries do not affect the EU in a negative way.

"I believe that, ahead of Serbia's OSCE chairmanship next year, this is also our advantage, because it gives us the credibility to engage in a dialogue, with respect, both with Ukraine and Russia, and any other country where there are conflicts," he added.

Dačić underlined that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and that it differs from other countries by not imposing sanctions against Russia. “Serbia is straightforward about this matter, unlike some who introduced measures that they are now trying to avoid and circumvent,” he noted.

Dačić expressed gratitude to Finland for the support it provided to the people of Serbia hit by the devastating floods.

Tuomioja said that the topics discussed with his Serbian counterpart included the situation in Ukraine, and Serbia's OSCE chairmanship.

Serbia will hold great responsibility as the 2015 chair, considering that OSCE is one of the organizations that all sides agree can significantly contribute to establishing peace and stability based on the full sovereignty of Ukraine, he said.

"We will support Serbia's efforts during its OSCE chairmanship," added the Finnish foreign minister.

Dačić noted that both Finland and the former Yugoslavia played a significant role in the foundation of OSCE and the setting of principles on which this organization is based.

OSCE is the only international organization on the ground in Ukraine, Dačić pointed out, adding that this role requires credibility, respect and good methods of conflict resolution and prevention.

Dačić said that Finland and Serbia will work together on the marking of the anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, adding that OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Ministerial Council will most likely be held next year as well.

The Serbian foreign minister and his Finnish counterpart signed an intergovernmental agreement on paid work of family members of employees in diplomatic missions, consular offices and missions of international government organizations.

Foreign Minister Dačić also met with Finnish Parliament Speaker Eero Heinaluoma, and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva.

During his visit to Helsinki, Dačić participated in the seminar on the future of OSCE and its role in the European security, the Serbian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.