Brussels, 07/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - How best to develop links between San Marino and the European Union and future cooperation between the two parties were the issues at the heart of discussions between San Marino Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Antonella Mularoni and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in their meeting on Tuesday 6 September. Following the meeting, Van Rompuy highlighted the desire of the parties and of the people of Europe's third smallest state for stronger relations between the EU and San Marino. The EU, Van Rompuy said, would continue to consider how best to develop relations not only with San Marino, but also with Andorra and Monaco. “The EU institutions are exploring different options, which might include possible steps on further integration into the European Union and especially the EU's internal market and a possible new institutional framework”, he said. Thanking Mularoni for setting out San Marino's views for his attention, Van Rompuy expressed his appreciation for San Marino's support in aligning itself with EU positions in international fora, especially in the United Nations. The prime minister of Andorra and representatives of the Principality of Monaco have already held meetings with the European Council president. (L.C./transl.rt)