The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakisin his statements after the meeting with the President of Serbia Alexander Vucicstressed that Greece is its most stable ally Serbia on its European perspective and added that the talks gained new momentum in Brussels after the decisions taken on other states.

The prime minister emphasized that Belgrade should take advantage of the favorable situation and expressed his satisfaction to hear the President of Serbia speak clearly about his country’s European path.

“There can be no future for the Western Balkans without a European future for Serbia. A strategic goal for Greece is the integration of the Western Balkans into Europe,” said Mr. Mitsotakis.

He began his remarks by saying that every time he is in Belgrade he feels as if he is at home, and said that he sees the progress of bilateral relations over time. As he said, the two countries go hand in hand in the historical choices, and the partnership acquired a strategic character with the declaration signed in 2019 in Athens.

“Our eyes are on a future of growth and prosperity, and we have confirmed our decision for further cooperation, and that is why I am here with 4 ministers and a broad business mission,” said Mr. Mitsotakis.

He emphasized that our country is interested in the interconnection with Serbia, among other things, in energy and transport and in the modernization of the Thessaloniki-Belgrade line and the completion of the Piraeus-Budapest axis, which, as he said, is of strategic importance for Southeast Europe and must European resources are used for this.

Mr. Mitsotakis also said that Greece encourages EU participation in the development of the Balkan Peninsula and added that bilateral cooperation extends to energy security and supply and Athens supports the vertical gas pipeline from the south to the north, while through the terminal of Revythusa and other stations we will be able to transport gas to Serbia.

“We produce almost 50% of our energy from RES and we aspire to become an energy export hub. We have the know-how”, said Mr. Mitsotakis and described Serbia as “by far the largest economy in the Western Balkans”, underlining that “our interconnection can only benefit both countries”.

“We can make 2024 a year of significant progress for Serbia,” the prime minister said. He added that he was informed about the dialogue with Pristina, saying that Greece’s firm position is that dialogue is the only way to normalize relations between the two sides and would signal stability in the region.

“We are watching with concern the tensions of the last few months”, said Mr. Mitsotakis and ended by saying that issues concerning the latest developments in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Red Sea were also discussed, stressing that our positions are common in terms of the international fair enough.

Al. Vucic: Greece is the most sincere supporter of Serbia’s European perspective

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, at the joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stated that he was satisfied with the meeting, emphasizing that issues related to the European perspective, energy cooperation and infrastructure development were discussed. Vucic expressed his gratitude to Greece for the support it provides to Serbia’s European path. “Greece is the biggest and most sincere supporter of Serbia’s European perspective and we thank it for this stance,” said Vucic. The President of Serbia expressed complaints about the attitude of Brussels and about the suspensions that are manifested regarding the European integration of the Western Balkans.

“We understand that the EU is often not happy with us, but I must say that we are waiting for clear signs that encourage our European perspective,” said Mr. Vucic. He assured, however, that “Serbia will remain committed to its European path”.

Referring to issues of economic cooperation between the two countries, he stated that Serbia has been developing rapidly in recent years and there are many opportunities for Greek companies. “We welcome all Greek companies. We do not have a resource problem but a lack of companies that will implement all the projects we need. That’s why I asked Mr. Mitsotakis to help bring companies from Greece that will undertake various projects in sectors such as infrastructure, energy and renewable sources,” the President of Serbia pointed out.

Special importance was given by Al. Vucic in the modernization of the railway network from Thessaloniki to Belgrade. “We discussed the matter with Mr. Mitsotakis and agreed that it is a project of strategic importance for both countries. Especially for Serbia, the railway connection with Thessaloniki is of vital importance, because we need a port from where we will import and export products”, emphasized the President of Serbia at the press conference.

Referring to the world exhibition EXPO 2027, he reiterated that it is a promotion opportunity for Greece as well and invited Greek construction companies to participate in the infrastructure projects related to the exhibition.

Vucic also referred to tourism, noting that the major infrastructure projects underway and others planned will also boost the tourism development of the two countries.