News
09.07.2020. - 23:55
President Vučić on a two-day visit to the Republic of France
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić is staying on a two-day visit to Paris, where he met with the President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron, with whom he discussed tomorrow's Summit on Kosovo and Metohija, bilateral relations and the future of the European Union and Serbia in the EU.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
"We discussed three principal topics: tomorrow's summit, Serb-Albanian relations and the solution of the Kosovo issue, followed by bilateral relations and how to strengthen cooperation in the field of education, culture, economy and investments," said President Vučić, adding that talking with President Macron on how he sees Europe and the world in the future, with a key review of Serbia's European path, was also of high importance.
"We understand each other well. I spoke strategically and what I think happened and what can happen in the future", stated President Vučić and pointed out that Serbia demonstrated its constructive and serious approach, which contributes to the respect we have in France. He expressed gratitude to the President of France for the extraordinary hospitality, which he has not experienced in Western countries.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
President Vučić said that he believed that tomorrow's video summit, to be led by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, would be an open conversation, but that he did not expect too many results or consent.
"Some principles will be found which, however, we cannot all agree on, so I believe that the French and German sides will come out with a presidential statement, we will do it separately, as well as the Albanians. I believe that everyone will talk about how they see dialogue and the future of talks. We will also talk about the possibilities of reaching a compromise. To ensure the free flow of people and services, the preservation of peace, which is the most important thing in the coming period," explained President Vučić, adding that there are countless small steps to improve relations and do something for Serbian and Albanian people.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
"It is a tactic that I think is good while deciding in haste is something that cannot lead us to a good solution," concluded President Vučić and pointed out that French President Macron, as an exceptional geopolitical expert, understands that.
President Vučić conveyed that he informed the President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron, that Serbia accepts the new methodology in negotiations with the EU.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
"I will officially confirm at the Summit tomorrow that Serbia accepts the new methodology that was initiated by President Macron. And I think that caused additional respect and satisfaction on the part of the French side," said President Vučić. He explained that for the citizens of Serbia, that would mean that, when we open economic and social chapters, for example, then we immediately start having access to funds and everything else from the chapters we have opened.
"It is better and more favourable for Serbia and incomparably more concrete, and that is the only thing that is important for the citizens of Serbia. I think that the French hosts were satisfied with that ", stated President Vučić.
President Vučić participated in the video summit in Paris
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić stated in Paris earlier today that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the President of France Emmanuel Macron were honest at today's video summit on the Kosovo issue and that Serbia was not exposed to pressure, but reminded that both countries recognised Kosovo's independence.
"We had a difficult conversation. Serbia is the only side that has different views. There were issues where we did not share the same perception. We will have to push the country towards the EU while protecting our national and state interests," he said, adding that Merkel and Macron are experienced politicians who understand what is possible and realistic, and what is not.
"Wishes are one thing, and a real and serious understanding of the political situation is another," said President Vučić, adding that he believed that Germany and France would come out with their joint, presidential statements since there were issues where we did not share the same views.
President Vučić said that the dialogue with Priština in Brussels, planned for Sunday, was postponed for Thursday.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll
He pointed out that the Albanian side came out with its demands, which he called a "list of good wishes", since Serbia does not accept any ultimatums and orders, and pointed out what Priština is asking for.
"These are: preserving the territorial integrity of Kosovo, preserving the Constitution and the constitutional organisation of Kosovo, permanent mutual recognition instead of the 'two Germanys' model, membership in the UN and other European countries recognising Kosovo. And then they will turn to the issue of missing persons and war damage", said President Vučić.
President Vučić said that every conversation is utterly meaningless if those demands imply the point of everything.
"We are ready to discuss all steps that would improve the relations between the people, the flow of people, goods, capital, but not to accept ultimatums. That is neither possible nor realistic," said President Vučić.
He expressed gratitude to Merkel and Macron for organising the Summit and for the effort and energy to bring the two sides to the table and show commitment to solving the problems.
Photo: Presidency of Serbia
