Mali: Many thanks to the countries that supported us in the Council of Europe

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Sinisa Mali, said tonight that the country owed a great debt of gratitude to all the countries that had sided with Serbia during the vote in the Council of Europe regarding Kosovo's request for membership in that international organization.

"We owe thanks to Spain, Romania, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and especially to our friends in Hungary, and to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who, despite all the pressures, sided with Serbia," Mali said in the "Hit Tweet" show on TV Pink.

As he said, he completely agreed with President Aleksandar Vucic's assessment that Serbia now knew who its friends were.

"And, allow us to treat our friends differently, compared to those we know voted against our interests on an issue that is important to us. It is simply a change in behavior," Mali said.

When asked what such a voting outcome meant for the "Open Balkan", Mali said that there would be no consequences for that initiative, because it was in the interest of everyone in the region to enter the "Open Balkan".

The minister said that economic development and progress had to erase all borders, because the idea was to look to the future and leave the past behind us, and for all citizens to earn more, and to open factories.

He added that there had been positive comments from Podgorica about the "Open Balkan", and that he expected Sarajevo to join as well if the economy was a priority.

"In conditions of crisis and conflicts, it is important that you are stronger and bigger. That is why the region must think about being stronger, and more attractive to investors. For us, 'Open Balkan' is one of the priorities and when it comes to the economy, we will do everything to make the initiative succeed," Mali said.

Regarding the elections in the north of Kosovo, Mali stated that the Serbs had shown that they could and knew how to be strong and united, and to go through great difficulties and challenges together.

"It is a big message for us and for the international community. Serbia will always be with our brothers and sisters in Kosovo, we will help them economically and in every way. I am only asking the citizens to support Aleksandar Vucic that in these conditions when he has a small room for maneuver, find a solution, because there is no one else" Minister Mali concluded.