Serbia wants closest possible ties with Austria

VIENNA/BELGRADE - Serbia wants to have the closest possible ties with Austria because most investments in Serbia come from Austria, and we expect even more to arrive, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said in Belgrade on Thursday.

Serbia wants to learn from Austrian investors how to have a successful economy and investors who will invest in Austria, Vucic said at a press conference in the Serbian government building after a meeting with Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann.

"I am certain that the entrepreneurial spirit cannot die in Serbia," Vucic said.

Vucic said that Serbia also wants good political ties with Austria, but noted that the meeting mostly focused on the economy and Serbia's European pathway.

"Serbia will do everything, despite the fact that we face problems on a daily basis that sometimes might seem to be causing delays in fulfilment of obligations, but we will keep fulfilling our obligations on our European pathway," Vucic said, adding that he discussed this with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his recent visit to Berlin.

Vucic said that he also discussed with Faymann the negotiating chapters 23 and 24, noting that Serbia has much to change in terms of the rule of law.

"It is a prerequisite for a better economy and attracting more investors. We must be more competitive - better than the rest of the region - in order to attract investors," the Serbian prime minister said.

Vucic thanked the Austrian chancellor for regarding Serbia as a significant partner in the Western Balkans, adding that Serbia will continue to be a factor of stability in the region.

Serbian Prime Minister said after meeting with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann that...