Serbia's new Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkić said in July 29, 2012 (Tanjug) there would be no change of course in the country's foreign policy.
Mrkic explained that preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty would remain the basis of Serbia's foreign policy, and full-fledged EU membership its priority. "The essence of our foreign policy is known to all, as are its foundations the interests of our country. Territorial integrity, sovereignty these are the foundations. We know what the pillars and the priorities are, and among these we single out, much like our predecessors, our path toward full EU accession, and we will continue in this manner," Mrkić said in an interview for Tanjug, his first since taking over the office.

According to Mrkić, major changes in foreign policy are not customary in stable democracies such as Serbia. "For the most part, we will continue with the same foreign policy. It is also clear from the statements of President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, when they spoke about foreign policy, that there is no change in course," he said.

"There will certainly be some minor modifications due to the fact we have a new president, a new parliament and a new government," Mrkić said.

Asked about his view of the current relations with Moscow and Washington and what he would insist on in the future, Mrkić said Serbia had "extremely good relations" with Russia, and wanted to further and deepen its existing solid partnership with Washington. "We are in a strategic partnership and Russia is an important partner and ally to Serbia, which helps us preserve our territorial integrity," said Mrkić.

At the same time, Belgrade will endeavor to make its relationship with the United States "as wellthought out, diverse and fruitful as possible for both sides." "We will have a better idea of ways to further our relations after we meet with U.S. officials, and we will know more specifics in the coming days and weeks," said Mrkić.

Talking about future contacts with EU officials aimed at accelerating Serbia's EU integration, Mrkić recalled that "there is intensive communication with all representatives and allies from Europe." "There will be meetings with senior officials in Brussels, the arrangements are being made and we will have communication as intensive as our predecessors did, if not more so," he added.