Telephone conversation with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

President Vučić conveyed his gratitude to Chancellor Merkel for initiating the Berlin Process and thus contributing to creating a different atmosphere in the Western Balkans and opening up new opportunities for cooperation, which makes the region more peaceful and stable. He reiterated his strong support for the initiative because, as he said, "the policy of cooperation in the region remains at the top of Serbia's foreign policy priorities." 

 

President Vučić pointed out that our country is a constructive partner of the Berlin Process and, as such, seeks to contribute to the success of the upcoming Summit and to improve the everyday life of everyone in the region. In this regard, he expressed satisfaction with the abolition of roaming in the Western Balkans, to take effect tomorrow, as an important relief for citizens and the economy. He also expressed hope that the Niš-Priština highway project would be implemented, which would contribute to the creation of conditions for, above all, economic cooperation between Serbs and Albanians. 

 

President Vučić also acquainted Chancellor Merkel with the agreements within the joint initiative for cooperation between Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia, known as Mini-Schengen, stating that it is related to the Berlin Process and the idea of a Common Regional Market and that it is open to other regional participants who would recognise the importance of the free movement of people, goods and services. 

 

President Vučić also talked with Chancellor Merkel about the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština. He stated he was always ready to respond to the invitation to the Brussels meeting, as he believes that only through dialogue can a compromise solution to open issues be found. 

 

President Vučić expressed hope that the situation would allow Chancellor Merkel to visit Serbia once again, before the end of her long and successful chancellor's term, as Serbia has very good relations with Germany, especially in terms of economic cooperation. In this regard, the President informed the Chancellor about the economic results achieved by our country, and about the fact that the number of our workers in German companies in Serbia has exceeded 70,000. 

 

Belgrade,

30th June 2021