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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Bilateral relations with Germany at an exceptional level

Belgrade, 13 September 2021

Tonight, President Aleksandar Vucic expressed great gratitude to German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her visit to Belgrade, which is a great honour for our country, as well as for everything she has done for Serbia and the Western Balkans.

At a joint press conference with Merkel, which was preceded by a tete-a-tete meeting, Vucic said that they discussed European integration of Serbia and the region, harmonisation of Serbia's foreign policy with EU policy, concrete results of the Berlin process and other topics.

According to him, during today's meeting, all regional issues were discussed, as well as the relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

Serbia is committed to dialogue, because we believe that the frozen conflict is not a good solution and that we need to reach a compromise solution. We will always be open to discuss how to reach that solution, because it is good for Serbs and Albanians. We only see the future in peace, the President said.

He noted that the rule of law in Serbia was also discussed, and that he submitted a new report to the Chancellor on everything that was done on that issue.

We know that we still have a lot to do, that things are far from ideal, but we are committed to constitutional reforms, reforms in the judiciary, the media and the entire political sector, Vucic said.

The President pointed out that 72,684 workers work in German companies in Serbia, as well as that the country is our largest foreign trade partner, with the expectation that the exchange will reach six billion euros this year.

He added that Serbia also had the support of Germany in improving education, and confirmed that he informed the Chancellor that we have the first 4,000 students who got jobs through dual education.

Merkel pointed out that the two countries, through years of joint cooperation, have reached an open relationship, full of trust. As she pointed out, we have achieved a number of results on that path, although Serbia and the countries of the region have a long way to go to become EU members, which is our common goal.

For the opening of new chapters, the area of the legal system is important for progress, and President Vucic presented his plans and made promises, Merkel reported.

The Chancellor especially pointed out the 80th anniversary of the Wehrmacht's attack on Yugoslavia, and accordingly announced half a million euros that Germany will give for reconstruction, which is an important signal of reconciliation and remembrance of the events.

Merkel explained that her trip is connected with the region, noting that she will meet with the prime ministers of the Western Balkans tomorrow, in Tirana.

I encourage continued progress in the area of the rule of law, as well as the move towards a plural society. Economic successes should be an incentive for EU membership, the Chancellor concluded.