Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Supports Serbia on Path to European Union

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During his meeting with his Serbian colleague Vuk Jeremić in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Serbia has had good results in its European Union accession negotiations, carrying out essential reforms and continuing its co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Paet stated that Serbia continues to prove its dedication and desire to accede to the European Union. “Estonia is a supporter of the European Union’s open-door policy so that nations that share common values and principles with our member states can be included in the union,” Paet asserted. “We recognise Serbia’s steps towards the European Union and completely support Serbia’s reform efforts,” he added. Paet believes that the European Union’s decision to allow visa-free travel to citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia is very important. Foreign Minister Paet stated that the decision made by the European Union in December of last year to begin implementing an interim stabilisation and association agreement with Serbia was a significant step in the European Union integration process.

In talking about advancing bilateral economic relations and business contacts, Foreign Minister Paet noted that although Estonia has closer economic ties with Serbia compared with the other Western Balkan nations, there is still definitely room for development. “Estonian entrepreneurs are interested in, for example, co-operation with Serbia in the energy sector,” said Foreign Minister Paet. “We hope that business contacts will be further inspired when the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between Estonia and Serbia comes into effect,” he added.

While discussing energy security, Foreign Minister Paet said that in order to ensure it we must create new connections and establish a functioning energy market in Europe, as well as diversify our current suppliers. “Estonia and Serbia could develop energy-related co-operation in the oil shale industry,” Paet added.

They also discussed the situation in the Western Balkans in general, as well as Eastern Partnership.

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