The President underlined that the decision of the European Council to open accession talks with Serbia would depend on the success of the dialogue between this country and Kosovo. Lithuania supports Belgrade-Pristina negotiations and calls on both sides to seek bilateral consensus on North Kosovo, she said.

According to the President, Serbia as a country aspiring to join the EU needs to meet all membership criteria and implement reforms in the following spheres: the rule of law, fight against corruption, improvement of business environment, freedom of the press, and protection of minorities.

Today, the European Commission is expected to present a special report on Serbia's progress and recommendations for the start of the EU accession negotiations.

Among the other issues discussed at the meeting was Lithuanian-Serbian business relations. Last year, Lithuania's imports from Serbia rose by 23.7 and exports to this country - by 64.2 percent respectively. Our country mainly exported turbojets, gas turbines and fertilizers.

It is very important for Serbia to ensure that its business environment is in line with European standards and complies with foreign investment protection agreements, the President stressed.

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