|
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, said today in a conversation with the newly appointed French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochard, that cooperation and partnership with France is at a very high level, primarily thanks to the open political dialogue between the two countries' officials. Brnabić pointed out the importance of opening an office of the French Development Agency (ADF) in Serbia, which is a clear indicator of the country's interest in a longer and more thorough presence in our country. This is also, as she explained, a significant incentive to continue cooperation on projects related to investments in road and railway infrastructure, as well as the construction of water supply and sewerage network and wastewater treatment plants. Brnabić pointed out that, thanks to the signing of the agreement between the two governments, it was possible to start work on the construction of the subway in Belgrade and the improvement of energy efficiency in Serbia, which are key projects for our country and present great potential for improving mutual relations. She pointed out that Serbia highly appreciates France's support for European integration, as well as regional initiatives, adding that it is an important stimulus to the European path not only of Serbia, but also of the region as a whole. The prime minister informed her interlocutor about the achievements in the field of reforms related to the rule of law and media freedoms, and invited him to join the Working Group for the Security and Protection of Journalists. The prime minister welcomed the new ambassador and expressed confidence that the successful development of Serbian-French cooperation on the basis of traditional friendship and agreed strategic partnership would continue during his term as ambassador. Speaking about development cooperation, Cochard assessed that Serbia is recognized as an important strategic partner and expressed confidence that French companies will continue to develop their business in our country. He also expressed confidence that in the future there will be even more joint projects and that cooperation and investments in the field of renewable energy sources, as well as in environmental projects, will be further intensified. The ambassador reminded of the recent very successful visit of Prime Minister Brnabić to France, assessing that the two countries nurture open and partnership relations. Cochard emphasized that France will continue to support Serbia's European integration, primarily through the provision of expert support in that process, and that he is convinced that the implementation of reforms will yield positive results.
|