Alexis Tsipras: I would like to welcome the Serbian President Mr. Vucic and the members of the Serbian government in Thessaloniki for the first Summit of the Greek-Serbian Cooperation Council.
I would say that this Summit is of particular historical significance for our relations as we are upgrading our strategic cooperation in a critical period in which increasing concerns are expressed about the future of our region but at the same time a period during which new possibilities and new perspectives are opening.
A period in which the need for the best possible co-ordination of our countries at an international and regional level is becoming increasingly important.
In this spirit, as we both had the opportunity to realize during my visit to Serbia in January, our important historical, political and cultural ties, the great friendship between our peoples can and should be exploited in modern terms, in new frameworks that allow a fast and multi-level cooperation and coordination.
I would like to emphasize that it is significantly important for us that this first meeting at this highest level of the Supreme Cooperation Council of Greece, Serbia takes place in the city of Thessaloniki. A city with a historical role for the Balkans, but also a dynamic and modern city, whose international and regional role is increasingly upgrading. A city that is becoming a hub of transport, energy, commerce and telecommunications in the wider Balkan region and the Eastern Mediterranean. A city, a diplomatic center of inter-Balkan cooperation, which has inspired the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and is a window for the growth of the Balkans, in the Mediterranean and the rest of the world.
In this context, today, we have discussed and agreed on the need to strengthen our political dialogue and to strengthen our cooperation in a number of fields, as reflected in the joint declaration we have adopted.
We discussed about the significant prospects for mutual investment, with Greece remaining, I remind you, among the three major investors in Serbia.
Emphasis was placed on interconnectivity and infrastructure, we discussed the development of transport networks, with particular reference to the Piraeus-Thessaloniki-Belgrade interconnection, but also to the Thessaloniki-Belgrade interconnection, utilizing the rivers that connect us. We signed an agreement on upgrading the railways, which will further strengthen the economic and trade relations of the two countries, but also, through this interaction, the economy of the region.
We stressed that promoting energy connectivity is crucial to the economic growth of our countries. In light of the above, we agreed to promote our energy cooperation and stressed the importance of energy projects such as the TAP gas pipeline and the IGB interconnector, as well as the IBS and the Ionian-Adriatic interconnector.
At the same time, we have agreed that tourism it is of particular importance for our relations. The significant number of visitors on both sides, beyond the economic dimension, strengthens the links between our citizens. We have seen that there is potential for strengthening the positive trend in tourist flows and we have signed a memorandum of cooperation and an agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licenses.
Our cooperation, of course, does not have only a financial aspect.
As I mentioned, the relations of our peoples have deep roots. We agreed to further highlight the cultural dimension of our relationship and in this direction we signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Cultural Cooperation.
We also had a special and meaningful exchange of views on our bilateral relations, particularly with regard to Serbia’s European perspective and the regional developments in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. And we agreed on the need to upgrade our political dialogue.
We stressed that our strategic network of bilateral relations is part of our increasingly strengthened military cooperation and we have signed an agreement in the field of military training.
At the same time, we have agreed to intensify our cooperation on security, the fight against terrorism, organized crime and the dismantling of human trafficking networks. A critical cooperation, not only for our region’s security, I would say, crucial for the security of the whole of Europe.
We have strengthened our dialogue on immigration by underlining that coordination and cooperation is the only response to these European, nationalist powers which consider the protection of international law to be luxurious and want to ensure that all the burdens of this phenomenon fall into the Balkan countries and the Mediterranean. We stressed that this is the only answer to the logic of exclusions and unilateral actions.
We have, of course, emphasized on the importance of the respect for the international law and the need to actively oppose all the phenomena of nationalism, irresponsibility and intolerance in the region, in order to consolidate peace and stability. On this basis and in a mutually acceptable way, any differences between the states in the Balkans must be settled.
And of course we also discussed about Macedonia and the need for a realistic approach from the side of the new government of the neighbor, in order to achieve what we have been seeking for many years, a mutually acceptable solution to the difference in the name issue.
In this context, we have expressed our firm support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, fulfilling of course all the necessary conditions.
And we stressed that this goal, set by the Thessaloniki Agenda, should remain a priority of the EU, for the benefit not only of the Western Balkan countries, but I would say for the benefit of the EU itself.
I reiterated to President Vucic that our country will always be a staunch supporter of Serbia’s European perspective and will steadfastly support the progress of Serbia’s European course. We are on its’ side and with the implementation of the bilateral framework that we have agreed since 2010 to provide expertise from the part of Greece to achieve this goal, as well as through agreements for cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.
At the same time, we have agreed that the European perspective, the European roots of the countries of our region can only, at a time of growing globalization, be combined with a foreign policy with wider horizons. By promoting relations and forms that meet the needs of our peoples and contribute to the development and stability of our region.
I, also, had the opportunity to brief President Vucic on the latest developments that marked the definitive recovery of the Greek economy, the exit from the crisis and the yesterday’s latest development in terms of exiting the excessive deficit process. A process that has existed since 2009 and after eight years, Greece has managed to return to European regularity.
This fact means that Greece, overcoming the economic crisis, slowly but firmly regains its great significance, its particular geopolitical weight, as a crucial country in the Balkan region, in the region of the Southeastern Mediterranean. A country that remains at the heart of the EU, a country, the crossroads of three continents, with a critical role in developments that concern the wider region and always aiming at stability, peace, dialogue, cooperation.
Therefore, I said to President Vucic that our Serbian friends, the Serbian people and he have to expect from Greece, an active and essential role. They have to expect from us to play the role of a country that can be the bridge between Serbia and the EU, but we also have to expect from Serbia, a friendly country, the true cooperation in order to be able to calm the waters in the Balkans. Be the Balkan Peninsula, a peninsula of friendship, peace and cooperation among peoples rather than a lasting source of danger and nationalism.
So we have had an extremely important cooperation and I believe that we will be able to deepen it and expand it in the future.
I, therefore, thank the Serbian President again, and I believe that the next important step, which I would like to announce, is that, after an invitation from President Vucic, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Pavlopoulos, will visit Belgrade in October. A very important visit for our countries and our region.
Aleksandar Vucic: Ladies and gentlemen, Prime Minister Alexis, I will try to state briefly why today’s first meeting of the Hellenic-Serbian High-Level Cooperation Council here in Thessaloniki is very important to Serbia. I think that both the Greek and the Serbian journalists had and will have the opportunity to hear important things on the occasion of the recently signed Agreements between the two countries, which are of general context, but they mark the future of our bilateral relations and at the same time they concern the everyday life of Greek and Serbian citizens, and I quote as one example the mutual recognition of driving licenses. Therefore, Serbian citizens can go freely to Greece with their cars and the same goes for Greeks in Serbia.
With regard to bilateral trade, I would like to point out that neither Mr. Tsipras nor I are satisfied with the volume of our transactions, which reach just 400 million euros. However, there was a trend to increase Serbian exports to Greece in the first five months of 2017, an increase of 10.5%. With the Greek Prime Minister, we have agreed that there is, of course, the potential for further growth in trade.
I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister of Greece on the positive developments in the Greek economy, which signal your country’s exit from the crisis, from this difficult situation you have experienced. I am particularly pleased that the Greek economy is once again based on sound foundations.
With regard to Greek investments in my country, I would like to emphasize that the Greeks have invested up to now 2.5 billion. And we expect even greater investments from the Greek side. Investments that will not only concern the banking sector but also other sectors such as tourism. From our part, I stressed to friend Alexis that Serbian entrepreneurs wish to invest in Greece.
In reviewing our bilateral relations, we found that they are positive and I was pleased to point out to the Greek Prime Minister that his recent visit to Belgrade has substantially contributed to further improving and deepening bilateral relations. As a conclusion, I could say that after a period of stagnation, our relations are moving in a rational and satisfactory direction.
With our friend Alexis, we had open and honest conversations on all the important political and economic issues, and we almost found a match of views. I would like to warmly thank Greece for the support it provides us on our European road.
I told the Prime Minister, friend Alexis, that Serbia is neither blackmailing nor asking anything from anyone, but we would like to know when Serbia could become a member of the European Union. Of course, my country will fulfill all the conditions to achieve this goal and is ready to open all the funds need to be opened in the context of the accession negotiations. It is important that Serbian citizens feel a distinct perspective and thus have more motivation. To be clear, we do not ask for a precise definition of time, but to have a framework, a, I would say, timetable within which the goal of our accession as a member state of the European Union could be achieved. And you realize this is very important to us, so we asked our friend, Alexis, to help us in order to be given an answer. I repeat that a positive outcome of this request would favorably affect the attitude of our citizens towards the European Union and would facilitate the implementation of tough reforms, even in the short term.
As far as Greece is concerned, we view you as an extremely friendly country, our people have feelings of friendship with the equally friendly Greek people and I think that even the Greeks in Serbia feel this as well, as do hundreds of thousands of Serbs who visit Greece each year. And when you estimate that Serbian citizens who visit your country as tourists spend 200-400 euros, they contribute, as far as they can, to the growth of the Greek economy.
I would also like to thank your country for the clear Greek position regarding Kosovo, the non-recognition of its unilaterally declared independence. I know the positions of Alexis Tsipras, who are in favor of peace and stability. From my point of view, I stressed to my friend, Alexis Tsipras that Serbia wishes to remain a pillar of stability and wants to improve its relations with all the regions and states in this area. Peace and stability are our priorities, because we are also improving our country’s position, Serbia.
In addition, I informed the Greek Prime Minister about the economic situation in my country, which is considered positive. In particular, we have 2.2% growth and we expect growth of 3% over time and this, as you see, means better life for our citizens. Our budget is executed properly and in fact, it has been surplus, not just primary. We are determined to maintain it and with the 3% growth we expect for 2018, we will have more disposable income for years to come. The positive development in the course of our economy will further facilitate our accession path, so that we can join with Europe as well.
Allow us, also, to mention the infrastructure projects that are of interest to both our countries. We had very serious discussions on this issue and the first agreement we signed is the Piraeus – Thessaloniki – Belgrade railway link, which is linked to the Belgrade – Budapest rail link. This work is vital to us because it links Belgrade to both the South and the North.
Dear Alexis, I would like, once again, to thank you for the cordial reception and hospitality to me and all members of the Serbian mission. Allow me, also, to thank all our Greek friends. I thank Mr. Kamenos, who was in Belgrade during the official proclamation ceremony of the new President, me, as President.
Once again, I thank you for your hospitality, Honorable Prime Minister of the friendly country of Greece. Alexis, we have managed not only to restore our relations to the old good levels but also to give them a new impetus, which will lead us to many positive results. For the last time, I warmly thank everyone. Honestly, today I feel proud and happy to lead the Serbian delegation here in Thessaloniki. We reserve the right to host you, as hosts, shortly, 2-3 October, in Belgrade.
Following, the Greek Prime Minister and the Serbian President addressed the below questions posed by the journalists:
Television station B92: Mr. Tsipras, you discussed with the Serbian President about the cooperation between Greece and Serbia which may be even better. We listened about the amount of the trade transactions of 397 million euros. In what way are considering to increase the trade transactions. And as far as the Piraeus- Thessaloniki- Belgrade railway interconnection is concerned, because it is on the Chinese Silk Road, when actually will this project be concluded?
Alexis Tsipras: I must admit that we discussed in depth about the ways according to which we will reinforce the trade transactions. There are, of course, many possibilities in front of us, but let’s not forget the fact that Greece is the third country in terms of investment in Serbia. And sure, many Greek investments can take place in Serbia and accordingly Serbian in Greece.
We had the opportunity to discuss and appoint the new co-presidents of the bilateral committee for finance issues, who will from now on be in constant communication and cooperation to reinforce these possibilities and take advantage of them.
On September 15th a Greek-Serbian Business Forum will take place, here in Thessaloniki, aiming at promoting the two side cooperation in the bank sector, the agricultural production, the field of the defense industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the denationalization programs in both sides.
And of course, as I mentioned in my opening speech, we specifically study the projects of high importance:
One project is that of the Thessaloniki- Belgrade waterway interconnection, a project of major significance for the whole Europe.
But, also, the project you mentioned that is the Piraeus- Thessaloniki- Belgrade railway interconnection, which as you said, is a part of the pursuits of the investment programs called “the Silk Road” or of the new version of the one belt one road, to the Summit of this plan we were together with the President Vucic in Beijing almost a month ago.
Indeed, all these projects, minor or major, acquire a specific significance. We will work on all levels big or small. The ambitious projects it is obvious that they have a wider time limit for their implementation. However, I want to believe that the railway interconnection is not a distant project, but a project that will be launched immediately because funding is a given and the desire, the political will on both sides is also given to reduce the distance between the two countries, to shortening the distance by reducing the time needed for citizens or goods to transfer from Thessaloniki or from Athens to Belgrade. This is our goal to bring our countries and our peoples closer. And I believe that with all these synergies and with all these already established efforts, we will succeed.
Aleksandar Vucic: I have to admit that beyond the railway interconnection we have managed to solve even more difficult cases. Therefore, we must set the bar high. What is very important today is that there is additional confidence in our ministers and governments up to the highest state level. And by building such mutual trust, Serbia and Greece can count on one another. I acknowledge, this is important for Greece, I believe, but also for Serbia.
Greece can fight for Serbia in the European Union, financially, politically. If we work together, if our action is common, we are much stronger. And so, we can defend our vital goals by solving problems based on the International Law.
Nikos Roumpos (AMNA): MR. Prime Minister, you said that you discussed about the developments on the wider region and the dangers entailed in the Eastern Mediterranean. I would like a comment on the challenges by Turkey and for all happening in the Cypriot EEZ with the researches taking place in area 11.
Alexis Tsipras: I believe that the friendship, the cooperation, stability in the wider region, in order for its success, we all, all the countries, and this a prerequisite, need to respect one thing: International Law and the rights resulting from it.
Under this perspective, I consider these developments regarding the Cyprus issue, to be developments that do not please us especially. However, they prove that we have a neighbor that many times finds appealing not to respect the substantial prerequisite for peace, stability and cooperation. Not respect that is the International Law and the rights resulting from it.
However, we remain steadily focused on the effort to solve this differences through dialogue, a positive cooperation agenda. At the same time, however, also, determined to defend and protect our rights, our sovereignty rights.
I would, also, like to talk about the developments that prove whoever has a plan, a strategy, creates international grounds, do not change views easily, but remain firm on their views, they negotiate with a constructive manner, but, also, at the same time focused on defending the rights resulting from the International Law, then the manage to create ground and possibilities and succeed.
We may not have succeeded in solving the Cyprus issue, during this stage of the debate. We will remain, though, steady regarding the need to not conclusively end the debate, but at some point with an initiative made by the UN Secretary General, to return to the dialogue table. And, at the same time, as you have seen regarding foreign policy, I recall a saying, and I always keep it in mind, “the most effective dog is not the one who barks, but the one that is a good guard, and does not need to bark”. Therefore, we do not use big words nor “bark” a lot, but I believe that we defend effectively the country’s sovereignty rights.
And I think that we had a natural development yesterday. And the following days as well. Let’s our neighbors keep this saying in mind. Because, at some point, you know, when you yell and make noise, then you do not promote neither your plans, nor can you achieve many things.
Therefore, I believe that Greece was, is and will remain a key pillar of stability in the region. And now that it recovers from a long-term economic crisis, it regains lost ground and emerges as a country valuable for peace and stability in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in the Balkans. A country a valuable partner of the European Union, a country valuable to NATO, due to its specific relations with crucial countries in the wider region.
PINK TV channel: For Prime Minister Mr. Alexis Tsipras: If you have discussed about Kosovo with the President of Serbia during these two hours and what is Greece’s position on recognizing the so-called “Republic of Kosovo.”
And for Mr. Vucic: You will, also, discuss with Mr. Borisov and Mr. Juncker. Will you request acceleration of Serbia’s accession processes in the European Union?
Alexis Tsipras: Yes, obviously, we also discussed about Kosovo and other important issues. We have had a meaningful, sincere discussion and with no hurry, as you saw.
Our attitude towards Kosovo is well known and remains unchanged. Our attitude is based on respect for international law, respect for the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, and the need to consolidate security and peace conditions in the wider region as well as our own national interests.
At the same time, as you know, we are firmly supporting the Belgrade-Pristina talks, which are of particular importance to our region. And as I said in my introductory statement, we firmly believe that the differences in the Balkans must be resolved on the basis of dialogue and the persistent effort to find mutually acceptable ways of mutually acceptable solutions. And of course, dialogue must be conducted on the basis of International Law.
We have a long negative experience from the Balkans. The Balkans are a special area. And of course, this experience can come from the depths of the years, starting with World War I, the war with the greatest human sacrifices in Europe, but unfortunately we have a recent negative experience. Many years after the end of the Second World War, and even after the definitive Fall of the Wall and the reunification of the two German regions, we unfortunately had some very negative developments after the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the revival of nationalism.
Our goal is to create the conditions, in order our people to live with prosperity. And I think we are in this context, on the same page with President Vucic. We do not forget, but at the same time, we look ahead.
Aleksandar Vucic: I will be very short. First of all, I thank Mr. Tsipras for all that he has said about Kosovo, as well as everything he said about Serbia’s European perspective. I do not expect an answer soon. I will state the question in the coming months not because I think I am right because I am the President, but because I think it will speed up the accession processes and give hope and strength. I am not sure that at this time there is anyone who can give an answer. Because the simple answer is that you are on the European path if you meet the obligations. If you can analyze them all. I’m not sure in 2007 that Bulgaria was more ready than we are now. In the afternoon I will speak with Mr. Borisov, and with Mr. Junger, I will say this to the both of them. Mr. Juncker was right because, yesterday, he said similar things in Trieste. It is a policy, and the European Union should say what it is. Then, behind various remarks on chapters 23-24, I will state it, as Mr. Tsipras cannot say, if everything is in order with regard to Kosovo, we would be the first ones to defend the human rights. For five years, every day, we anticipate what will happen to Kosovo. Tell us clearly what we have to do and for how long. There are no alternative roads for us. But, I think, it will be fair for Serbian citizens to know when they can expect their membership in the European Union. Nothing else.
Especially, I thank Greece for the firm and very important support towards our country on its European path. I hope this will continue. This does not mean that we look anywhere else or on any other subject. We only ask for respect. And treat us, as they have for all others. We do not ask for anything better, we do not ask for anything that we do not deserve, but we want to know: If we do what is necessary, when will we be accepted? This would be fair to the citizens of Serbia.
Stavros Tzimas (Kathimerini): Prime Minister, you said earlier that you discussed – among other things – and this has its own interest for security and stability in the wider region, and you specifically referred to Macedonia. Given that at this time – as recent events have shown – FYROM is the main and most dangerous factor of instability – I would say – in the region, it does not go unnoticed that here, today, in the meeting Skopje have not been called or we do not really know if they have been called and have not responded. I note that this is no longer a bilateral meeting at the level of government councils, since Mr. Borisov was invited and I do not know if at the last minute – and very well, in my opinion, if it is important – Mr. Borisov did. Therefore, this meeting has the characteristics of a wider regional initiative.
I would like to ask you why it has been decided, if it was decided that such an invitation would not be appropriate. If the Skopje government had stated it here today and I point out that it is a neighboring country, it is a country that is currently operating as a potential detonator of unwelcome developments in the Balkans.
And for Mr. Vucic: He repeatedly thanked Mr. Tsipras, the Greek Prime Minister, for his attitude towards Kosovo. I wanted to ask you Mr. President if you agree with Mr. Dacic’s statements in Athens two days ago that it was Belgrade’s mistake to recognize Macedonia with its current name and if you agree there is a plan to re-establish this – if I understood well as Mr. Dacic said – an injustice.
Alexis Tsipras: Today, I do not know if you have understood it, but here we have the Hellenic-Serbian High-Level Cooperation Council. And on this occasion, the Hellenic-Serbian High-Level Cooperation Council, apparently cannot include third countries. We also wanted to have a trilateral meeting in the afternoon with a country that plays a special role in our region, an EU country, a neighboring country, Bulgaria.
But, in the context of your question, I want to say a few words about Macedonia, to end this here.
We meet with Serbia and the meeting is transnational and we do not meet the countries of the former Yugoslavia in order to invite all the countries here.
But you are right that Macedonia is a country that has a special interest in all of us, as we strive for its stabilization. The worst that could happen to all of us in the Balkans, in Europe, I would say, is to have an ever-destabilized country in the Balkans and our neighborhood. That is why, from the very first moment, two and a half years now, when I share the responsibility together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikos Kotzias, we have taken substantial initiatives in the direction of stabilizing this country, both internationally and bilaterally. We have proposed and promote confidence-building measures and, at the same time, do our best to bring the neighboring country’s leadership back to the realism and cooperation that is needed. The Foreign Minister will conduct meetings with Mr. Nimetz. We also have intensive contacts between the foreign ministers of the two countries. We will work intensively in the following period to restore stability to the neighboring country. But as for the current year, the difference we have in the prospect of finding a mutually acceptable solution to the name – the reasonable- that we would like to be, is a solution, a name for use against all erga omnes – as we say. However, I want to point out something that is crucial: The restoration of stability in the neighboring country is accompanied by the de-escalation of its nationalisms and tensions. And we have already made it clear to the new Prime Minister, who has shown a rapprochement, on a more realistic basis concerning the relations between the two countries.
As for Macedonia’s accession perspective in NATO and the EU, there have been decisions of both the European Council and the NATO Summit which are very clear. First of all, this difference regarding the name issue must be resolved in a mutually acceptable way and, of course, immediately afterwards, we will not act as an obstacle, but we will help the neighboring country’s accession prospects in both NATO and the EU. And in this direction, we will work intensely, honestly and responsibly, which I think distinguishes us in the management of foreign policy issues.
Aleksandar Vucic: The Greek Prime Minister and I had a very serious discussion about the region. I would like with the Skopje government to have an agreement so that everyone can be pleased. This would be important for the whole region. As far as Serbia is concerned, I will tell you sincerely and openly that Greece did not recognize Kosovo’s independence and helped us when we had difficulties. It is clear that we have not always shown enough attention on this matter. And I would not want to say in front of strangers the reasons why or to criticize my predecessors. Serbia will look at its interests in the future, be friendly to all who are on the same side and to all who have helped preserve the principles of international law. And regarding this, our Greek friends can always count on our support.
I would not like to criticize or deny Mr. Dacic’s statements. I would never do that and it does not seem that I have ever done so. I would like once again to thank for the hospitality.
