Nikolic: Serbia wants to be in the EU

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic told Slovenian PM Miro Cerar Monday his visit to Serbia had given a new dimension to the relations between their countries, in particular in the economy.

"Serbia and Slovenia have never had a poor relationship, and particularly today, there is no reason for that," a statement from the presidential press office quoted Nikolic as saying.

"Our economic cooperation has special possibilities thanks to the markets with which Serbia has free trade agreements," Nikolic noted.

Serbia wants to be in the EU and Slovenia's assistance on its path to full membership is valuable, Nikolic said.

Nevertheless, the EU and even its fundamental principles are in a crisis, he said.

Cerar thanked Nikolic for the cordial welcome, noting that Serbia was a factor of regional stability.