Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic announced yesterday the continuation of cooperation with China in expanding capacity of the Drmno pit and construction of a new thermal power plant Kostolac D3 under preferential terms.
At a ceremony held on the occasion of the completion of the rehabilitation of the B2 Kostolac B block in Kostolac, Dacic said that he is satisfied with the cooperation with China and a favourable credit arrangement, as well as with cooperation with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), which together with Serbian national electric power company EPS participated in the implementation of the project.
According to Dacic, cooperation between Serbia and China proves that different cultural heritage does not have to be an obstacle to quality cooperation.
The Prime Minister said that the Serbian government is ready to further expand this cooperation and that the results of energy sector cooperation are a chance for Serbia’s continued development cooperation with China.
He said that revitalised block B2 has an output of 350 megawatts, and recalled that €102 million was invested in its revitalisation, with the expected return of investment within nine years.
Dacic reiterated that he is satisfied with what has been done, especially with meeting the planned deadlines according to the established schedule.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the good cooperation with the People’s Republic of China has once again been confirmed, which is a solid basis for further development of bilateral relations.
Dacic said that it would be fair that Serbia get a positive assessment regarding the date for the start of negotiations on EU membership, adding that all countries in bilateral talks praised Serbia and that the reviews are very good.
According to him, the EC report on Serbia’s progress towards the EU has never been better, Serbia has never been closer to getting the date, and our cooperation with the EU has never been better.
It would be realistic that the decision is considered in March next year, and that in June Serbia is granted approval for the date for the start of negotiations on EU membership, said Dacic.
Source Serbia Gov.
