John Lahart
Question:14. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent meeting with the Serbian Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19766/23]
View answerThursday, 27 April 2023
Questions (14)
Written answers
Prime Minister Ana Brnabic visited Ireland from 19 to 21 April, her first visit here as Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia. I was pleased to welcome her to Iveagh House on the afternoon of 20 April, where we had a wide-ranging exchange. Prime Minister Brnabic also met the Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment during her visit.
We spoke, in particular, about Serbia’s EU candidacy. I underlined Ireland’s strong support for enlargement and the European perspective of all the Western Balkans states. We discussed the economic and social benefits our country has enjoyed since we joined the EU fifty years ago. Prime Minister Brnabic expressed a keen interest in Ireland’s economic transformation, noting her Government’s investments in education and the digital economy. We agreed this is an area where we can share knowledge, which will have mutual benefits and serve to support Serbia’s EU future.
I raised our concern over Serbia’s failure to align with EU sanctions on Russia, noting how for many partners this calls into question Serbia's full commitment to EU values. Prime Minister Brnabic stressed Serbia’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, as exemplified in its support for UN resolutions, and shared her perspectives on some of the challenges of the accession process, as viewed from Belgrade.
We discussed Serbia’s relations with Kosovo, and the latest developments in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. Following last month’s agreement in Ohrid, I stressed that there is now a real opportunity for progress, underlining the importance of good faith implementation on both sides. In that respect, we discussed the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, and Senator Mitchell’s remarkable speech last week on the challenge of its negotiation and the bravery needed to deliver on its promise. While conscious of the significant differences between the respective processes, I expressed a hope that this might serve as a positive example for Serbia and Kosovo of what is possible. We will continue to support them in that process.
Questions Nos. 15 and 16 answered orally.