Vucic, Peach discuss situation in Kosovo-Metohija, region

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received the UK's special Western Balkans envoy Stuart Peach on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and the region as well as bilateral relations, the presidential press office said in a statement.

Vucic noted that Serbia was committed to maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo-Metohija and that it had demonstrated that in crisis situations caused by Pristina's unilateral moves.

He said Belgrade was ready to continue dialogue with Pristina towards a compromise solution with the safety of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs as the key point.

He also pointed to the necessity of respect and implementation of signed agreements.

Vucic noted that Serbia highly appreciated KFOR's significant role in maintaining peace and stability and in protection of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija in keeping with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Peach said the UK supported the EU-facilitated dialogue process.

The parties noted the significance of the presence of KFOR as a guarantor of security.

Vucic thanked the UK government for its support and financial assistance to Serbia, in particular in fields such as education, open data and digitalisation.

Vucic and Peach exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and ideas for advancing it, in particular in defence, energy and science, the statement also said.