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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Strong political, economic ties between Serbia, Austria confirmed

Belgrade, 17 March 2022

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic met today with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who said that Serbia is a pillar of peace and stability in the Western Balkans, and that he will not allow any instability to spill over into this part Europe.

At the joint press conference, Brnabic pointed out that the partnership and friendship between Serbia and Austria, as well as strong political and economic ties between the two countries were confirmed during the meeting, since Austria is one of Serbia's closest partners.

She expressed gratitude to Austria for its support that our country enjoys on the path of European integration, mentioning former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who, as she emphasised, personally did a lot for Serbia and its European integration so that the topic of enlargement is constantly on the EU agenda.

In Austria, we have always had a partner we could rely on, the Prime Minister pointed out and also added that, economically speaking, Austria is the second most important partner of Serbia in total investments, behind Germany.

According to her, Austrian companies have so far invested €2.585 billion in Serbia, employing more than 22,000 people, while in 2021, trade of €1.36 billion was recorded, which is 28 percent more than in 2020.

Also, as she added, the level of trade from 2010 to 2020 increased 1.7 times, Serbian exports to Austria 1.9 times, and imports from Austria 1.8 times, with the assessment that this is an encouraging trend.

Brnabic also noted that the topic of conversation included the crisis in Eastern Europe.

We talked openly. I know that many in the EU are concerned that instability will spill over into the Western Balkans. I have clearly stated that Serbia will continue to play the role of one of the countries that are a pillar of stability in the region, that we will continue to be an exporter of peace and stability and that we will not allow instability or crisis to spill over to this part of Europe.

She pointed out that since 2014, Serbia has done a lot to change, both politically and economically, in order to be a strong and stable state that can come to the aid of partners and neighbours in the Western Balkans.

We must not endanger that, but we must defend stability, and the EU can fully count on Serbia, the Prime Minister repeated.

Brnabic reminded that Chancellor Nehammer is not in Serbia for the first time, since he came as the Minister of the Interior of Austria, noting that there is already excellent cooperation between the two countries in the fight against crime, corruption and the peace crisis.

I believe that we will find a way to respond to the new challenges in the best way and preserve European peace and stability, the Prime Minister concluded.

The Austrian Chancellor pointed out that Serbia is a geostrategically and geopolitically important partner of Austria, and added that at this time it is unprecedented to send the message that the countries of the Western Balkans belong to the European Union and Europe.

He pointed out that Austria sees itself as a bridge and has an interest in accelerating the accession process of the Western Balkans, reiterating that Austria will work on further deepening relations with Serbia and the region.

Austria is also a big investor in Serbia, because this market is very interesting, the chancellor said and said that the two countries would deepen their further bilateral cooperation.

I can proudly say that we have one of the largest diasporas from Serbia in Austria. We are proud of our citizens of Serbian origin, who respect their new homeland, and do not forget the motherland. That connects us, he pointed out.