The President of the Republic Constantine Tasoulas received, earlier today, at the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister of Serbia Duro Macut, who is visiting Greece on the occasion of his appointment as Honorary Doctor of the Department of Medicine of the Faculty of Science and Health of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Mr. Tasoulas referred to the strong historical, geographical, cultural and religious ties that link the two countries and form the basis for the development of bilateral strategic cooperation for the benefit of the prosperity of the two peoples.

Subsequently, the President of the Republic expressed his concern about the current geopolitical developments and the escalation of hostilities, especially in the Middle East, stressing the need to find diplomatic solutions to the problems of the region. He also condemned the heinous terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus, stressing the importance of protecting all religious communities in Syria, especially Christians.

Finally, he reiterated Greece’s support for Serbia’s European perspective, noting that, in the context of increasing geopolitical volatility, the integration of the Western Balkan countries as a whole into the European family will contribute decisively to the stability and prosperity of the region.

For his part, the Serbian Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Greece’s contribution to Serbia’s European course, as well as its support for the territorial integrity of his country.

He also expressed Serbia’s full understanding of Greece’s positions on the need to protect the rights of Orthodox Christians, including the issue of the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai.

He also referred to the prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation in a number of areas of common interest, with emphasis on infrastructure, network connectivity, energy and the economy.

Finally, he conveyed an invitation of the President of the Republic of Serbia to his Greek counterpart for an official visit, which was accepted.