1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yoon Soon-gu of the Republic of Korea (ROK), together with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Tatjana Conić of the Republic of Serbia, held the 7^th ROK-Serbia Policy Consultation and a working dinner in Belgrade, Serbia, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 3. During the events, the two sides had extensive discussions on bilateral relations; substantive cooperation; cooperation on the international stage; and regional and global issues.

2. The two sides shared the view that the ROK and Serbia have advanced friendship since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1989, and noted that in commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, high-level exchanges between the two countries are being promoted as demonstrated by Deputy Minister Yoon’s visit to Serbia following Minister Kang’s visit in June 2019.

3. In the meeting, the two sides commended that bilateral cooperation has been steadily enhanced in diverse areas including trade and investment, development cooperation, e-government and environment, and agreed to continue mutual efforts to further deepen substantive cooperation in areas with high potential for cooperation.

○ Deputy Minister Yoon expressed appreciation for the Serbian government’s attention to the ROK companies in Serbia as can be seen by President Aleksandar Vučić’s attendance at the ceremony of the completion of building a new factory invested by the ROK company in Serbia in November 2018, and requested the Serbian government to continue its interest in and support for the ROK enterprises in Serbia.

○ Assistant Minister Conić took note of cooperation with the ROK in development cooperation, e-government and environment, and expressed hope that the two countries would continue to explore ways to further reinforce bilateral cooperation.

4. The two sides, welcoming a variety of cultural events currently underway to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, hoped that through such events, the people of both countries would deepen mutual understanding.

○ In addition, the two sides discussed ways to further promote cooperation and exchanges in the areas of education and sports.

5. Deputy Minister Yoon explained the recent situation and the ROK government’s efforts towards achieving denuclearization and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, and asked for the Serbian government’s continued interest and support.

○ Assistant Minister Conić and Assistant Minister for Multilateral Affairs Aleksandar Tasić explained the overall situations in Europe, including Southeast Europe, and Serbia’s efforts toward its accession to the European Union (EU).

○ The ROK and Serbian sides also agreed to step up cooperation on the international stage, including the United Nations (UN).

6. The 7^th Policy Consultation is seen to have provided an opportunity to enhance friendly and cooperative relations between the ROK and Serbia, which is one of the major countries in the Western Balkan region as well as a candidate for the EU membership, with high potential for growth in a range of fields such as politics, economics and culture; secure continued support from the Serbian government for the ROK government’s efforts towards the settlement of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula; and strengthen the foundation for diplomatic diversification of the ROK.