Vucic: We will continue to develop energy infrastructure with EU

BELGRADE - Serbia will continue to develop energy infrastructure with the EU and work hard on delivering on the reform agenda, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday, adding that he expected the efforts to be supported by the EU and Brussels.

"I believe we will be also building an (gas) interconnector towards North Macedonia, as well as towards Romania in the future. Let's see how we can strengthen Serbia in terms of opportunities to diversify energy sources and how we can further strengthen our country economically," Vucic said at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

He noted that the EU was the largest foreign investor in Serbia and its number one partner in trade and the services sector, adding that, according to the latest figures, Serbia accounted for 54.5 pct of the total Western Balkan exports to EU member states.

"The bulk of our exports goes to the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Romania and Hungary - 48.5 pct of our exports go to those four countries. The EU is also the biggest investor - five EU countries are standouts when it comes to investments, accounting for a total of 60 pct," Vucic said.

He said his meeting with von der Leyen had addressed preservation of peace and stability in the region.

"We discussed the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. I believe it will be possible to continue it in a constructive tone. I will not take this opportunity to criticise someone else, except that I will say that it takes two to tango," Vucic said.

He noted that he was grateful to von der Leyen for coming to Serbia in times that were "not simple or easy" for it.

"I hope we will have more meetings before the end of the year because we will have to analyse everything that is going on, especially with regards to these energy issues, and I would say we are looking for solutions together," Vucic said.