Vucic, Kachka discuss cooperation, EU path and Serbia-Ukraine FTA

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke on Thursday in Belgrade with Ukrainian Deputy PM for European and Euro-Atlantic integration Taras Kachka about advancement of bilateral relations and the two countries' EU path, with special emphasis on strengthening economic cooperation and continuing negotiations on a FTA.

"An open and substantial discussion with Ukraine's deputy PM about advancement of bilateral relations, the European path of our countries and further development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest. We placed special emphasis on the topics of strengthening economic cooperation, continuing the talks on a free trade agreement, as well as on possibilities for a further increase of goods trade, investments and cooperation in commerce, energy and infrastructure," Vucic posted on Instagram after the meeting.

Vucic added that they had agreed that Serbia and Ukraine had space for a significant expansion of their partnership, especially through more concrete ties between the two economies and better harnessing of existing potentials.

"During the meeting, we also exchanged views on European integration, in view of the fact that the European path is Serbia's strategic commitment and an important framework for reforms, stability and development. A MoU in the field of European integration represents an additional step towards experience-sharing and stronger institutional cooperation," Vucic wrote in the post.

He added that they had also discussed regional energy security, diversification of supply sources and routes, as well as the significance of a Vertical Gas Corridor for the region's broader ties with European energy flows.