Malta-Serbia relations and relations between Western Balkan countries and the European Union featured during high level meetings attended by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo in the Serbian Capital, Belgrade. Minister Bartolo met Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic and also participated in the ‘Belgrade Economic Forum’ hosted by the Delphi Economic Forum.
Minister Bartolo and Minister Selakovic discussed the opening of a consulate in Malta in the coming days in order to be of service to the Serb community in Malta. Mutual recognition of vaccine certificates for Covid-19 to facilitate travel to and from Serbia will also be finalized.
Minister Bartolo expressed Malta's full support for the Western Balkan countries, including Serbia, to join the European bloc. He stressed that the European Union needs to invest more in order for this enlargement to be effective in fostering full conviction among these peoples regarding the European project.
Minister Bartolo emphasized the need for the European Union to recognize more importance to the south of Europe, including the Euro Mediterranean region, in full connection with a policy that strengthens the relations between the countries of the European Union with Africa. Creating opportunities in Africa serves as the best tool for peace, security and prosperity.
During this visit Minister Bartolo also met Minister for Labour, War Veterans and Social Policy, Darija Kisic Tapavcevic. During this meeting the situation of the Serbian community in the Maltese labour market was discussed and how relations between the two countries can offer a framework that will help in this regard.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Christopher Cutajar, accompanied Minister Bartolo during the meetings. Mr Cutajar met the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nemanja Starovic. During this meeting, the economic prospects in both countries, collaboration related to the work at the United Nations, as well as the work of Serbia to join the European Union were discussed.