First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic paid an official visit to the Comoro Islands.
Minister Dacic called on the Comoro leadership to re-examine their 2009 decision concerning recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.
The Minister underlined that the decision was in contravention of the principles to which the Comoros were committed in respect of the issue of their own territorial integrity, and that Serbia and this island state were tied by bonds of friendly relations dating back to the time of the former Yugoslavia and President Tito.
The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized that Serbia was a friendly country to the Comoros, adding that Serbia supported the territorial integrity of the Comoro Islands.
Minister Dacic pointed out that Serbia faced similar problems regarding its own territorial integrity, as a result – he recalled – of unilateral separation, secession, of a part of its territory, “supported by some Western countries having double standards concerning our region”.
“We, who share problems of this kind, should be supportive of each other. In this context, we would like to ask the Government, the President and the Office of the Minister, to revoke this recognition. We are, undoubtedly, committed to dialogue, but we are against unilateral acts”, stressed the Serbian Foreign Minister.
Minister Dacic added that Yugoslavia and Tito supported the Comoros’ struggle for independence, underlining that Yugoslavia established diplomatic relations with this country as soon as the Comoros gained their independence in 1976.
“We also voted in the UN General Assembly in favour of all resolutions concerning the territorial integrity of the Comoros, and we will continue to do so, as we wish to develop overall cooperation in all areas”, said Dacic.
The Minister further indicated that he had discussed the signing of a friendship agreement between the two countries, as well as agreements on economic, cultural, educational cooperation, as well as on mutual abolition of visas, and development of tourism.
He further expressed anticipation of the visit by his colleague, as well as the meeting between the two presidents.