BELGRADE, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Serbia is investing hope in the new enlargement strategy of the EU, at the same time implementing reforms and working with neighbors on all open bilateral issues, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told visiting European Parliament President Antonio Tajani Wednesday.
Brnabic told Tajani she expects a new EU strategy of enlargement, being published beginning of February in Strasbourg, to contain an encouraging message for Serbia and its citizens, as well as a clear signal that European countries see Serbia as the future full member of the union, the Serbian government said in a statement.
Brnabic pointed out that Serbia was accelerating the opening of chapters of the EU acquis.
"She said that the end goal for the reforms implemented by the government of Serbia is not only the full membership in the EU, but also to use them as a mechanism to develop the society internally," the statement added.
Tajani and Brnabic agreed upon further reforms and for Serbia to direct all efforts to resolve issues around most important chapters such as 23 and 24 that deal with the rule of law and the judiciary system.
Brnabic said that the regional cooperation and strengthening of relations with neighbors are amongst the most important priorities of Serbian foreign policy, adding that Serbia was ready to solve open bilateral issues by dialogue and through regional initiatives.
Tajani said the EU supported the continuation of dialogue between Serbia and its southern province of Kosovo, that unilaterally declared independence in 2008, as the only definite path that will lead to the stability of the whole region.
The two have agreed that "it is important to work jointly to improve the institutional cooperation between Serbia and the European Parliament".
During his visit, Tajani also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic to discuss the country's European integration and reforms.
