Djuric speaks with Somali FM about support on Kosovo-Metohija, economy

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric spoke by phone with Somali FM Ahmed Moalim Fiqi on Tuesday, thanking Somalia for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and noting that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Somalia.

Djuric expressed the confidence the two countries would continue to provide assistance to each other in the international arena and noted that Serbia highly appreciated Somalia's support regarding the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija.

Serbia is proud of the traditionally good relations and the decades-long friendship with Somalia, Djuric said, noting that Serbia was firmly committed to further development and deepening of overall relations with the African nation.

"Our bilateral cooperation is characterised by many years of friendship, based on the Non-Aligned Movement, the UN Charter and mutual respect," Djuric said.

The parties discussed economic cooperation and opportunities to advance it in numerous sectors, such as agriculture and the construction and ICT sectors.

Djuric said he was especially pleased with cooperation as part of the World In Serbia scholarship programme for foreign students in Serbia.

He said Serbia was ready to increase the number of scholarships available to young Somali students.

Speaking about security cooperation, Djuric said confronting terrorism was an important aspect of bilateral relations within the framework of regional as well as global security.