I want to ask about the purpose of your visit. With whom did you meet and which issues will you discuss during the visit?
- The visit to Azerbaijan is an opportunity once again to assure the traditionally friendly relations between our peoples and states. We will try to develop our relations in all directions, bringing mutual benefit and full understanding.
In this sense, the upcoming talks with senior government leaders of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister A. Rasizade and Foreign Minister E. Mammadyarov represent the continuity of maintaining good political relations and contacts at the highest and the highest level, which, incidentally, should further promote economic cooperation between our countries.
At what level are today's economic and political ties with Azerbaijan? What is the volume of trade, as well as today's volume can be increased in the coming years?
- To date, economic relations with Azerbaijan are not at that level, in what could be. In recent years, there is a strong development of bilateral relations at a constant political dialogue that led to the signing of the Declaration on Friendly Relations and strategic partnership between Serbia and Azerbaijan in February 2013. Thus, the determination certified to more successful and saturated development of economic cooperation, has not yet reached its peak where there is still significant opportunity for further progress.
Our economic cooperation differs little volume turnover in the absence of the higher forms of cooperation, and with the exception of the construction of the highway within the Corridor 11, funded by a loan provided by the Government of Azerbaijan and the main contractor, which is an Azerbaijani company "Azvirt" that at the same time is a very important and project in terms of bilateral cooperation so far.
The volume of trade exchange is much lower than the real opportunities and needs. Last year was only 42 million Euros with a surplus on our side.
When talking about the current year, in the first 7 months of our exports registered a decline of 71% compared to the same period last year and we want to strengthen economic co-operation, to change it.
Intensive and high-quality dialogue is a good starting point for the full development of economic relations between the two countries, for which there is a necessary legal basis. If you take advantage of all created so far, the volume of trade in the shortest possible time can be increased several times.
We are interested in participating in the capital of Azerbaijan privatization of enterprises in Serbia, as well as capital investment through the implementation of infrastructure and energy projects, projects in agriculture, food, chemical and pharmaceutical industry and in the field of information technology.
In what fields there are need for further develop in the Azerbaijani-Serbian relations? What fields of Azerbaijan are interesting for Serbian Businessmen to invest and what areas of business executives in Serbia that Azerbaijan can invest?
-Possibility to improve economic cooperation are great in all areas, and we welcome business people of Azerbaijan and their investments in Serbia, particularly in energy and infrastructure, which already have joint projects that can serve as an example of successful cooperation. We welcome suggestions and new investments that would go to the benefit of all, and also would like to mention that the investors will be provided with the Azerbaijani most favorable conditions for their investments in Serbia.
I believe that together we can realize significant progress in economic cooperation, and subsequently further bring together our two friendly countries.
It is expected that Serbia will take part in the TANAP project. We would like to know your opinion on this issue. What is the volume of Azerbaijani gas Serbia expects to use after the implementation of this project?
- We welcome any project that allows a steady supply of energy sources of consumers in Serbia, as well as in Europe. At the moment, the attention of our country intends to implement the pre-agreed project "South Stream" on TANAP project we talked with our friends from Azerbaijan and this project for us is an interesting proposal. Therefore, we hope that the joint action of Azerbaijan and its partners will be implemented in accordance with the interests of all participants.
How the recent events in the world, particularly in Eastern Europe impact on Serbia’s strategic partner selection and foreign relations?
- Serbia's foreign policy priorities are EU membership and to continue working with our strategic partners, both in the East and in the West. All the foreign policy of Serbia aims to protect our national interests, both politically and economically. The Government of the Republic of Serbia will continue to act in this direction.
Serbia seeks to maintain and develop friendly relations with the entire world and represent a factor of stability in the region. We pay special attention to our OSCE chairmanship next year, which take upon ourselves in a very difficult situation in the field of politics and security in Europe and the world.
Your country is a candidate for membership in the European Union. What is the situation in this regard? In your opinion, what are the achievements and difficulties?
- Accession to the European Union, a process that by obtaining the status of the candidate receives a non-refundable in nature and for Serbia successful completion of negotiations for membership is one of the most important priorities. Serbia has progressed to significant domestic reforms, which aim to improve the living standards of citizens more effectively governance and the rule of law. In this way we face with a variety of complications, but we are resolute in continuing the implementation of the commitments made. Government's determination not to retreat from this path is beyond doubt.
- It would be interesting to know your opinion on the current situation and the future of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What steps do you think should be done to accelerate the peace process?
- We have seen with concern the news of the deteriorating situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. It is necessary to refrain from using force and all the energy spent on the continuation of the negotiation process. Serbia supports every dialogue that leads to a peaceful resolution of this issue.
Respecting the "Madrid principles" of the OSCE Minsk Group and the position, we welcome all efforts aimed at sustainable solutions. The current role of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, USA and France, is a step in the right direction.
What is your attitude to the sanctions of the European Union and the United States against Russia in connection with the crisis in Ukraine? In what form the sanctions affect Serbia?
- Serbia's position in relation to the Ukrainian crisis known. We from our own experience know that sanctions are not the best way to solve problems, and we sincerely in favor of a solution to all outstanding issues only at the negotiating table and through diplomatic means.
Serbia is in the process of negotiations for EU membership, and at the same time in very close economic, political and cultural ties with Russia. Therefore, our balanced position is a natural. Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but did not take advantage of the situation the mutual use of the restrictive measures of the EU and the Russian Federation in order to improve the marketing of their products to the Russian market, providing government subsidies for export.
Serbia welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Ukraine and expressed the hope that this is the beginning of the peace process, which will be addressed through dialogue all open questions. Taking into account the significant role of the OSCE in reaching this agreement, Serbia expresses its readiness, as the future chairmanship of the OSCE in 2015, to make every effort to preserve peace and to provide assistance in the negotiation process until a decision acceptable to all parties.
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