05/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - Franco-Serb ministerial discussion. On Tuesday 4 January, Laurent Wauquiez, French European Affairs Minister, met with Božidar Djelic, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for European integration. This first meeting came within the framework of the close and constant dialogue between France and Serbia, as the latter continues its efforts to come closer to the European Union. According to the French minister for foreign and European affairs, the meeting allowed stock to be taken of progress made at a time when the European Commission is examining Serbia's request for candidate status to EU membership. Speaking after his meeting with Djelic, the French minister said: “We naturally spoke of Serbia's candidature for EU membership. France supports its candidature and I was also able to see the extent of the serious and intensive work done by Serbia over the past months, if not years, with the in-depth work engaged by the government”. The two men were also able to review the situation in the Western Balkans, especially with regard to regional cooperation, including with respect to Kosovo. (O.L./transl.jl)