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Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met in Paris with French President Emanuel Macron. “I want to emphasize the place that Serbia has for France,” Macron said.
Emanuel Macron said he was very happy to have the opportunity to host Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić again.
“I well remember the fantastic welcome I was honored with and I remember the organization when I came to Belgrade in July 2019 with great friendship and I felt extremely honored and it was warm in my heart,” Macron said, RTS reports.
He noted that despite the pandemic, it is necessary to continue the dialogue with neighbors, especially with the Western Balkans. “I want to emphasize the place that Serbia has for France,” Macron noted.
The dialogue that we have had for three years is fundamental for me, said the French president.
“Last year, we defined a new methodology to carry out the accession negotiations to the European Union, I want to thank President Vučić, who said from the beginning that he supports this new methodology and that we can move forward together to meet the obligations to accelerate reforms and progress needed for Serbia “Towards the EU and continuing to respond together to the aspirations of the people,” Macron said.
Source: TV Pink
He pointed out that France and the European Union want to be more present in matters of culture, education and economic investments.
In addition, as he says, he will speak with President Vučić about the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština.
“These are important negotiations that are taking place under the auspices of the European Union, and I want to emphasize once again France’s support for the EU’s special envoy, Miroslav Lajcak,” Macron said.
He said he spoke with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Avdulah Hoti, in November, and that he will speak with the future Prime Minister after the Kosovo elections.
“We had confidence-filled conversations with President Vučić on that issue, and I want to thank the risks that he has taken several times to provide some solutions that are innovative. I am ready to support them, the only solutions that will lead to progress on this issue, and that is the only issue that is fundamental for your country and your people, and these are solutions that both parties have agreed upon, that have been recognized and that will allow us to finally solve this important problem that is at the center of our Europe ” Macron said.
“Belgraders will travel by subway from 2028”
Macron said that the bilateral cooperation between Serbia and France continues, citing the construction of the Belgrade metro as an example.
“The visits we made allowed to accelerate several relationships according to the Belgrade metro plan. France is doing a feasibility study on that issue, and that is the last stage before construction starts in 2021, “Macron said, adding that Belgraders will travel on this metro from 2028.
In addition, he mentioned the Belgrade airport operated by the French company “Vancy”, as well as the landfill that is being built.
“France is a partner and we will continue to advance on these economic issues. “I want France to be stronger and more present and to continue to invest in Serbia,” Macron said.
When it comes to vaccines, Macron says they would like France and Europe to be with Serbia as much as possible.
“I welcome your commitment on this issue and your action and initiative. We will do everything possible in the next period to be able to support you and support the Serbian people and all the peoples of the region.” It is a fast race that we are leading against the time and viruses, and they are doing it with great initiative, and I want to welcome it, “said Macron.
At the end of his speech, Macron thanked Vučić for being in Paris today and for continuing to improve relations between the two countries.
“You know you have the French here who love your people, our history has shown it.” I can say that you have a friend in Paris, “concluded Macron.
Vučić: France is a true traditional friend of Serbia
Addressing the media before the meeting, the Serbian President thanked Macron for his dedicated work and efforts to develop bilateral relations and cooperation.
“France is an important country for us and a true traditional friend of Serbia. With Macron’s dedicated approach, we hope to be able to solve the problems, but also increase economic cooperation and trade, which in 2019 was 1 billion and 200 million. euros, “said Vucic.
He expressed his gratitude to the French company “Vance”, which took over the management of the Belgrade airport, where it is already building new parts.
Vučić also pointed to the project to build a metro in Belgrade, which he says will change things for Serbia.
“A new moment of our cooperation and we hope that by the end of the year we will start working on the front line. “We agreed on almost everything with Astom, who did a great job and we are deeply grateful to Macron, with his help it was possible to realize this,” the Serbian president emphasized.
“The Kosovo issue is not easy for Serbia”
Vučić stressed that he would also discuss with President Marko the issue of relations between Belgrade and Priština, which, he said, was not easy for Serbia.
“We all have to do everything in our power to reach a compromise solution, so far that has not been the case and I have always been willing to listen to Macron and his innovative ideas and what we can do,” said Vucic. .
He added that he would present the Serbian platform openly and honestly.
“I am confident that we will have an honest and open conversation and that we will accomplish something,” Vucic said.
At the same time, he emphasized, the path to the European Union is extremely important for Serbia.
“Serbia has shown its capabilities in the previous period, we are the country with the highest GDP growth, it will be smaller because of the crown, but that is good in this period,” said the president.
He recalled that Serbia accepted the new agency and methodology for accession to the Western Balkans, proposed by Macron.
“We hope that we make better progress on the path to the EU,” Vucic said.
Vučić recalled that Macron’s visit to Belgrade in the summer of 2019 was historic for Serbia.
“When you showed not only friendship and especially emphasized and showed the true emotion of the French president, we will never forget you,” Vucic said, adding that we look forward to welcoming the president of France once again.
Emanuel Marcon previously organized a solemn reception for Aleksandar Vučić in front of the Elysee Palace, the seat of the president of France, RTS reported.
This is the eleventh meeting of the two officials.
The delegation to the president includes the ministers of Finance and Transportation.
As announced by the Service for Cooperation with the Media of the President of the Republic, Vučić will also attend the lunch, which, for his part, is organized by President Macron.
