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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Germany to continue supporting development of Serbia as partner

Belgrade/Berlin, 18 September 2019

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said in Berlin today that the issue of Kosovo-Metohija is the only point of misunderstanding and disagreement between Serbia and the Federal Republic of Germany, but that it is important to discuss this issue.

Speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel held after their talks, Brnabic said that without a long-term sustainable solution to the issue and reconciliation of Serbs and Albanians, there can be no different future for the Balkans.

Germany is one of the most important partners to us and as much as we disagree on some issues, the most important thing is to talk to that country, hear opinions and advice, present our position and see if we can bring our views closer and come to a long-term sustainable solution, Brnabic stated.

The Prime Minister underlined that this is important primarily for young people and that everyone should work on a long-term solution, with the support of Germany, the EU and other international partners.

We know we can build a nicer, better and more prosperous Balkans for all, the Prime Minister said.

Brnabic said that the goal of her visit to Berlin is to make the relations with Germany develop even faster, especially in the field of the economy and noted that it is time to launch a new wave of German investments in Serbia.

The partnership, cooperation and support of Germany in all areas, both in the fields of politics and the economy, and on the path of European integration, is of immeasurable importance to us, the Prime Minister emphasised.

Brnabic also said that European integration remains a strategic goal of Serbia and added that she asked Chancellor Merkel for Germany's continued support on our country's European path.

For Serbia, the EU is, above all, a peace project, given that the Balkans have complexities and specific weight, and that long-term peace and stability will only come when the entire region becomes part of the EU, Brnabic explained.

The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to the German Chancellor for her political, financial, technical and professional assistance to date on that path.

Merkel said she talked with Brnabic about the situation in the region and cooperation, and noted that she is glad that the Berlin Process has proved to be very useful and that it has led to great opportunities and cooperation.

She pointed out that the process of solving the problem of Kosovo-Metohija should be continued and further improved in order to reach a solution.

Merkel noted that there is good bilateral cooperation between the two countries, 400 German companies with 60,000 employees operate in Serbia, and Germany is a significant trading partner of Serbia.

We have very close relations and I would like to emphasise that Prime Minister Brnabic is committed to combating unemployment and the growth of Serbia's economy and digital transformation, Merkel said, adding that Serbia is leading the way in digitalisation and that it is a good signal to young people.

The German Chancellor said that civil society, the judiciary and difficulties in this field were also discussed at the meeting, as well as constitutional reforms.

I see the will to improve things and this is closely related to the progress in the EU accession process, Merkel said and pointed out that Serbia has made a lot of progress and that much has been done when it comes to opening negotiation chapters.

She said that Germany, as a partner, will continue to support the development of Serbia and the strengthening of German-Serbian relations and cooperation.

Before the talks, Merkel organised a state reception for Brnabic, with the playing of the two national anthems and military honours.