Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic of Serbia, who is on a one-day visit to Pakistan met with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. This is the first ever visit by Republic of Serbia's Foreign Minister to Pakistan.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed in detail bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed their mutual desire to enhance them in diverse fields. Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Pakistan and Serbia had traditionally enjoyed close relations and given Serbia's expertise in water management, energy, agriculture, fisheries, there was good scope of joint ventures in Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister also underlined the need for convening the seventh round of Pakistan – Serbia Joint Economic Commission in Belgrade as soon as possible.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the issue of Kosovo in the light of international law and norms.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed the Serbian Foreign Minister on Pakistan's counter terrorism efforts and how its law enforcement agencies had carried out successful operations in Malakand, Swat and FATA. He reiterated Pakistan's support to reintegration and reconciliation in Afghanistan through a Government of Afghanistan led process. Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed the Serbian guest about Pakistan – India relations in the backdrop of the recently held Foreign Secretary-level talks in New Delhi. He said that Pakistan was for a meaningful dialogue process with India.

The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed his country's keen desire to augment Pakistan – Serbia relations especially in the fields of energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and education. He emphasized the need for expediting the conclusion of bilateral Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation. He conveyed that Serbia had decided to open its resident diplomatic mission in Islamabad in 2011.

The Foreign Minister of Serbia lauded Pakistan's efforts against militancy. He said Pakistan was an important country and had been playing a significant role in promoting peace and stability.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue the bilateral engagement. The Serbian Foreign Minister invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit Serbia on mutually convenient dates.

 

Islamabad

4 March 2010