Vienna (PK) – President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka exchanged views today with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić during his visit to Austria. Topics were bilateral relations, Serbia’s rapprochement with the EU, the situation in the region, migration and security, and the war once morest Ukraine. In conflicts, it is crucial to approach each other, to seek dialogue and to put what you have in common over what divides you, emphasized Sobotka.
Excellent relations between Serbia and Austria
The bilateral relations between Serbia and Austria are characterized by close political, economic, cultural and human ties, emphasized National Council President Sobotka at the beginning. The close economic ties are expressed, among other things, by the great commitment of Austrian business people in Serbia. Around 400 Austrian companies are active in Serbia. In Austria there is a large Serbian community that is highly valued and well integrated.
There are just as good connections at the parliamentary level. For example, the parliamentary administrations of the six Western Balkan countries and the Austrian Parliamentary Directorate would regularly exchange information as part of the Western Balkans scholarship program. In addition, Sobotka referred to the positive cultural relations between the two countries. For example, Austria was one of the main partners in the context of the European Capital of Culture Novi Sad 2022. Sobotka also gave a positive assessment of the progress made with the “IMAGINE Arts&Ideas” initiative, which aims to mobilize the fine arts, design and architecture on major issues such as climate change and digital humanism in 2024.
Austria supports Serbia on its way to the European Union
Austria will do everything to support Serbia on its way to the EU, emphasized Sobotka. Overall, the south-eastern European region has a high priority for Austria and Serbia is a key partner here. Austria is therefore committed to ensuring that these countries do not lose their prospects on the way to Europe. Overall, Europe must be strengthened in order to be able to exert greater influence at the geopolitical level. Only a united Europe can act strongly and make a contribution to world peace, emphasized the President of the National Council.
Positive rapprochement between Serbia and Kosovo
In conflicts, it is crucial to approach each other, to seek dialogue and to put what you have in common over what divides you, stressed the President of the National Council. In order to develop solutions, it is the only way to talk to each other. In this context, Sobotka gave a positive assessment of the rapprochement between Serbia and Kosovo last weekend.
War once morest Ukraine: seeking dialogue for future solutions
The President of the National Council also addressed the war once morest Ukraine and renewed the Austrian position of condemning the illegal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian war of aggression once morest Ukraine. This is a clear violation of applicable international law. A spillover to other regions – especially Moldova and Georgia – must be prevented, stressed Sobotka. Further measures would have to be taken to counter the Russian disinformation policy.
Overall, de-escalation must be worked towards and at least a ceasefire must be reached. To do this, the current standstill at the level of talks must be overcome. Solutions for the future might only be developed in dialogue. For this it is also necessary to approach each other.
The war of aggression triggered the current energy crisis and energy debate. Austria is particularly affected by this and the diversification of the European energy supply to reduce dependencies is of particular importance. However, it is important that no new dependencies arise here, such as with China, said Sobotka.
Migration can only be solved together
Sobotka was convinced that the issue of migration might only be solved together and welcomed the trilateral cooperation between Austria, Serbia and Hungary. Overall, safe borders are needed. Serbia’s steps to align its visa regulations with those of the EU are already showing positive effects. (close) pst
NOTE: Photos from this visit can be found on Parliament’s web portal.
