Macut receives Babis

BELGRADE - EU membership remains Serbia's strategic commitment, Serbian PM Djuro Macut said at a meeting with Czech PM Andrej Babis in Belgrade on Thursday, expressing the expectation that Serbia's EU accession process would be based on merit.

"Macut and Babis assessed that the relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are characterised by traditional friendship, close historical ties and intensive political dialogue, which represents a good basis for further deepening cooperation," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"The interlocutors discussed the continued development of economic cooperation, increasing trade and investment, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, transport, mining, agriculture, tourism and the automotive industry.

Macut expressed his gratitude to the Czech Republic for its continued support for Serbia's European path and underlined that membership in the European Union is a strategic commitment of our country, voicing the expectation that the accession process will be based on the principle of merit, bearing in mind that Serbia meets all the requirements set before it.

The talks also covered current regional issues, with the Prime Minister reiterating his position that preserving peace and stability, respecting international law and dialogue are of key importance for the region," the statement said.

Commenting on the issue of Kosovo-Metohija, Macut noted it was "an issue of the highest national and state importance, expressing his gratitude to the Czech Prime Minister for his support for the continuation of the talks between Belgrade and Pristina."

"Macut expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the Czech Republic confirmed its participation in the Specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, emphasising that this event will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Babis said that he had repeatedly stated publicly at meetings with European officials that the countries of the Western Balkans should have become part of the Schengen area long ago.

He emphasised that the very long tradition of good relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic represents a strong foundation for the development of even more intensive cooperation and joint projects in the coming period," the statement also said.