PM Macut meets Czech counterpart Babis: EU membership remains Serbia's strategic commitment

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut said on Thursday, after a meeting in Belgrade with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, that membership in the European Union remains Serbia's strategic commitment, and that the expectation is that the EU accession process will be based on the principle of merit, bearing in mind that Serbia is "fulfilling all the demands placed before it."

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During the meeting held in the Palace of Serbia, the two prime ministers assessed that relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are characterized by traditional friendship, close historical ties and intense political dialogue, which represents a good basis for further deepening of cooperation.

The interlocutors discussed continued development of economic cooperation, increase of trade and investments, as well as implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, traffic, mining, agriculture, tourism and the automotive industry, the Government of Serbia said in a statement.

Current regional issues were also discussed, and Macut reiterated the position that preserving peace and stability, respecting international law and dialogue are of key importance for the region.

When it comes to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Macut emphasized that this is an issue of the highest national and state importance and thanked the Czech prime minister for supporting continued talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

Macut expressed his satisfaction with the Czech Republic confirming its participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, stressing that this event will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Babis stated that the very long tradition of good relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic represents a strong foundation to develop even more intensive cooperation and joint projects in the coming period.

Babis added that several times in meetings with EU officials, he publicly said that the countries in the Western Balkans should have become a part of the Schengen zone a long time ago.

The Czech prime minister is on a two-day visit to Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)