Serbian Culture Minister Branislav Lecic

BELGRADE, May (Tanjug)- Talks between the Council of Europe delegation, Serbian Culture Minister Branislav Lecic and culture representatives in Belgrade and Arandjelovac are just the beginning of a long - lasting cooperation of Yugoslavia with this important European institution, it was said at a press conference in the Serbian government.

Council of Europe Committee for Cultural Cooperation President Pirko Rainesalo and Department for Cultural Policy Director Vera Bolto paid a three-day visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian Culture Minister Branislav Lecic.

The visit of the C.E. delegation is very important for Serbia's engagement in cultural activities in Europe, which it will be able to realize in full only after the year 2002, Lecic said. He pointed to the necessity of coordinating with European standards before Yugoslavia asks to be part of some European projects.

Lecic said he had reached agreement in principle with a delegation of the Council of Europe on cooperation on personnel training, technical assistance and help in creating the cultural policy.