Meeting with the highest diplomatic representatives of the Quint countries

Regarding the meetings held in Brussels last week, President Vučić said that, with the mediation of the EU, important issues on missing and internally displaced persons were raised, as well as the issue of economic cooperation. He expressed satisfaction with the strong support for the continuation of the dialogue and expressed gratitude to the leaders of France and Germany who, by participating in the video conference on July 10, gave strong support to the dialogue, as well as to the US administration which influenced the favourable climate for the dialogue to resume. However, President Vučić emphasised that the talks were not easy, because at this moment there are differences in approach between Belgrade and Priština.

 

President Vučić exchanged views with the ambassadors of the Quint countries and the head of the EU Delegation on the current political situation in Serbia and stressed the importance of appointing a government with a clear pro-European orientation, especially improving the rule of law in the coming period.

 

President Vučić also said that he fully understands that Germany, chairing the EU presidency in a challenging period, focuses on the issue of the pandemic and combating its consequences, but that he hopes that the EU enlargement will remain on the agenda. He thanked the European Union for its financial support in the fight against the pandemic, as well as for its readiness to help eliminate its economic consequences. He expressed the same gratitude for the support to the non-EU Quint countries - the USA and the United Kingdom. President Vučić expressed his full commitment and concern to the continuation of the fight against COVID-19.

 

 

The Quint Ambassadors and the Head of the EU Delegation expressed their strong support for the resumption of the dialogue and expressed optimism that it would produce clear results for the people of the region. The Ambassadors and the Head of the EU Delegation expressed concerns that the levels of infection by COVID-19 are again on the rise and expressed readiness to continue to help Serbia to address further needs. The Quint Ambassadors and the Head of the EU Delegation underlined that respect for Rule of Law, in particular freedom of assembly and media were essential for Serbia's EU path. The Ambassadors and the Head of the EU Delegation were grateful to learn the President's intent to form a new and inclusive Government with a clear mandate for Serbia's EU aspirations.

 

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia is interested in intensifying political dialogue and economic, as well as other cooperation with the Quint countries.

 

Belgrade,

20th July 2020