Vucic, Whitaker discuss regional security issues, Serbia-US relations

BELGRADE, April 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker on Wednesday to discuss the most significant security and political issues in the region, especially noting that preservation of security for Serbs in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija is crucial for Serbia.

"With the US ambassador to NATO, I discussed the most significant security and political issues in the region, Serbia's position amid complex geographic circumstances, as well as the need to preserve peace and stability in the Western Balkans," Vucic posted on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account.

He added that he had especially noted that preservation of security for Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija was crucial for Serbia, as was a continuation of a responsible and serious policy that implied dialogue as well as insistence on respect for international law and undertaken commitments.

"Serbia will continue to be a factor of stability, but will always know how to protect its state and national interests," Vucic noted.

He added that he had also exchanged views with Whitaker on advancement of Serbia-US relations, as well as on forms of cooperation that could contribute to greater mutual understanding and to preservation of peace in the region.

"I am confident that open dialogue is important, especially in a time of great challenges and changes in international relations," Vucic wrote in the post.