国际英语新闻:Economic reforms in Serbia reflected in booming trade with Netherlands: Dutch FM

BELGRADE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok on Monday commended the positive results of Serbia's economic reforms, saying they have been reflected in the trade exchanges with the Netherlands.

At a press conference after the meeting with his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic, Blok said reforms in the Serbian economy are reflected on the trade exchange between Serbia and the Netherlands, which is 7 to 10 percent higher than the same period of last year and amounts to about 700 million euros.

The two foreign ministers agreed that the support of the Netherlands is important for Serbia's integration aspirations and that their economic partnership would boost bilateral ties.

In the past eight years, Dacic said, the greatest number of foreign direct investments in Serbia came from the Netherlands, and that Dutch companies employ around 15,000 people.

According to him, Serbia has been implementing reforms to benefit citizens, not just to meet requirements of the European Union (EU).

Blok believes Serbia has "much to offer the EU," voicing the Netherlands' support for its accession.

"We therefore insist that all reforms and all rules are respected. Much has been done in Serbia, and we expect further progress on the rule of law, the fight against corruption and freedom of the media," he said.

Blok arrived in Serbia on Monday and met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic, discussing the country's integration agenda in more detail. (one euro currently equals to 1.11 U.S. dollars)