(ANSA) - TRIESTE, JUN 3 - The resumption of the direct air connection between Belgrade and Trieste, operated by Air Serbia, is "a signal that, on the strategic level, confirms and relaunches the role of Friuli Venezia Giulia within Central and Eastern Europe" and represents a "vital link to relaunch relations with the Balkans, and enhance economic growth even in Serbia." So said FVG Region President Massimiliano Fedriga, commenting on the flight from Trieste Airport to Belgrade Airport yesterday after 11 years.

After the emergency of the pandemic and now faced with war, "we need to restart through a policy of cooperation and friendship between territories, and we should be aware that this area of Europe is among those with the greatest growth potential," Fedriga added.

"The new air connection will be vital for our Serbian community equally. Moreover, it will be important for the entrepreneurs of the two countries," said Ivana Stojiljkovic, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Trieste. Stojiljkovic underlined that in recent years Belgrade and Serbia "have become the top-rated destinations for the inhabitants" of FVG, and Trieste has always "been one of the most attractive destinations for Serbian students, artists, and tourists." (ANSA).