Merkel invites Vucic to visit Germany in January

The president of Serbia spoke with Merkel about bilateral relations and the situation in the region

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to visit Berlin in January, which the president accepted with pleasure, according to a statement by the president's cabinet issued after his telephone conversation with the chancellor.

The president of Serbia spoke with Merkel about bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

In a long and friendly conversation, Vucic and Merkel expressed satisfaction with the continued progress of political dialogue and economic cooperation between Serbia and Germany.

The president pointed out that German companies operating in our country employ more than 60,000 workers and make a significant contribution to Serbia's economic development, as well as to our country's reputation as a good place for investment.

He thanked the chancellor for Germany's continued support for European integration of Serbia, especially given the German EU presidency in the second half of next year.

At the same time, he expressed the need for a clear EU enlargement plan and a timetable for membership, as the process of European integration of the Western Balkans is important for peace and stability in the region.

Vucic stressed that Serbia will, with the same goal of regional stability, continue to promote a policy of peace and cooperation.

He conveyed to the German chancellor his impressions from a the recent meeting in Paris and the possibilities for the continuation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and, in connection to this, stressed that it would be important for Germany and Europe to maintain their position that it was necessary for the Pristina authorities to abolish the taxes on goods from the central Serbia, in order to continue the dialogue.

The president stressed that Serbia is fully committed to the dialogue held with EU's mediation, with the goal of reaching a compromise, mutually acceptable solution in order to secure stability in the region.

Chancellor Merkel wished President Vucic good health.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)