Vucic and Costa in Palace of Serbia: Formal welcome with military honors for president of European Council

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and President of the European Council Antonio Costa met today in the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade to discuss the key issues concerning relations between Serbia and the European Union, as well as Serbia's challenges on the European path.

The meeting started a little after 8 o'clock, after a ceremonial welcome with the highest state honors, which the president of Serbia prepared for his guest.

The meeting between Vucic and Costa will be followed by plenary talks between the delegations of Serbia and the EU, and then they are expected to speak to the press.

"I expect open and meaningful dialogue"

On the occasion of the meeting, Vucic posted on his Instagram account to state that the focus of the conversation should be on Serbia's European path.

"I expect an open and meaningful dialogue with our European partners, with a focus on Serbia's European path, as well as on preserving peace and stability in the region," he wrote.

Vucic added that they will touch on concrete opportunities for deepening cooperation between Serbia and the European Union, as well as global challenges.

Vucic also thanked Costa for what he said was his support for the European perspective of the region.

Formal welcome

Costa today received a formal welcome in Belgrade with a guard of honor and the sounding of the anthems of Serbia and of the EU, on the red carpet.

This was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Duric and Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic, as well as the head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret.

A face-to-face conversation between Presidents Vucic and Costa follows, as well as plenary discussions between the delegations of Serbia and the EU, and then statements to the media are planned.

The European Council previously announced that Costa is coming to Belgrade as part of his visit to the Western Balkans, the aim of which is to confirm the commitment of the European Union to the region.

"Strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkans is the main political priority for the EU and for me personally. I am visiting the region to discuss the permanent challenges with the leaders and show that the EU is ready to help. There is clear momentum for enlargement, but that momentum requires commitment and implementation," Costa said before the visit.

The president of the European Council will travel from Belgrade to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 14 he will visit Montenegro and Pristina, while on May 15 he will be in North Macedonia and Albania.

Airport welcome

Vucic welcomed Costa at the airport.

He published several photos with the following statement: "I welcomed the president of the European Council, with whom I will have the opportunity to discuss the key issues concerning relations between Serbia and the European Union, as well as the challenges we face along the way."

Vucic stated that Serbia is determined to continue its European path, ready to work with a responsible and partnership approach to all issues important for the peace and prosperity of citizens.

Vucic and Costa previously met on March 25 in Brussels during a joint working dinner with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as well as on December 3 last year, two days after Costa took office.

(Telegraf.rs)