(ANSA) - BELGRADE - Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, who is in Belgrade on Monday, expressed satisfaction Serbia's progress in promoting reforms, though the country was recently deeply affected by devastating floods.

In an interview published by daily Politika, Mogherini - also speaking as rotating European Council president - stressed the engagement of the Italian EU presidency in promoting the European integration of the western Balkans.

''The message I am bringing to Belgrade is of strong encouragement to Serbia to continue along the path taken over the past few years. Serbia shares the same priorities with Europe; growth and employment'', said the minister, who on Monday is wrapping up on Monday a tour of the western Balkans in Serbia and Montenegro. The visit also took her to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania.

''I notice with satisfaction that the Serbian government, in spite of floods, promoted with the decision reforms and complied with European standards, including reforms of the labor market'', said Mogherini. ''One of the priorities of the Italians presidency'' is the European integration of the western Balkans ''to bring forward the original project of the founders of a united Europe, and this is why during the first weeks of the Italian presidency I started a mission to the Balkans ending today, with a visit to the capitals that have made more progress in the integration process'', added the minister. Mogherini is scheduled to hold talks in Belgrade with her Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic, Premier Aleksandar Vucic and President Tomislav Nikolic. (ANSA).