Portugal supports Serbia entering the European Union (EU), Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Wednesday.

"Portugal has supported, from the very first moment, the accession of Serbia to the EU and considers it fundamental for Europe's enrichment," Rebelo de Sousa said.

Rebelo de Sousa made the remarks at a joint press conference with his visiting Serbian counterpart Tomislav Nikolic.

Portugal and Serbia had had a 135-year diplomatic relationship, Rebelo de Sousa said, expressing hope that Nikolic's state visit would mean a leap forward in bilateral ties.

Rebelo de Sousa also reinforced Nikolic's appeal for Portuguese business people to visit Serbia and invest in the country.

Nikolic is also to meet President of the Portuguese Parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Lisbon Mayor Fernando Medina during his two-day visit. 

source: Xinhua