Mayor of Belgrade Dragan Djilas stated on Wednesday that it would be very important for the culture of Belgrade and Serbia if the city became the European Capital of Culture in 2020, which would show that Serbia is really a part of Europe.

Djilas and Mayor of Kosice Richard Rasi today signed a Letter of Intent on mutual support between the Slovakian city and Belgrade related to the project of candidacy for the European Capital of Culture for 2013, i.e. 2020, and to the strengthening of cultural cooperation.

"The candidacy and obtaining of the status of the European Capital of Culture is of great significance not only for the culture of Belgrade, but also for Serbia itself, which definitely decided that it wants to become part of the EU," Djilas said, recalling that about two weeks ago the country received the EU candidate status.

Djilas thanked the mayor of Kosice for the support he and his city are giving to Serbia, and added that he is looking forward to visiting the Slovakian city once it became the European Capital of Culture.

Rasi said that by signing the letter, Kosice does not want just to establish cultural cooperation with Belgrade, but also to support its efforts towards the desirable status.