Chapter opening also depends on "EU understanding"

Chapter opening also depends on "EU understanding"

The topics discussed with Hammond included Serbia's OSCE Chairmanship and the opening of EU accession chapters, the prime minister told a joint press conference.

" encountered a positive response from Great Britain regarding the future of Serbia and the European integration process," Vucic said.

Stressing that Serbia remains on the EU path, the prime minister expressed belief that wide-ranging and radical reforms in 2015 will make it possible for the country to make progress in the political sphere as well.

This year is crucial for Serbia. The road ahead of us is neither easy nor simple, we have much to accomplish, and the only way to achieve this is to work hard, said Vucic.

Great Britain is now the European country with the largest economic growth and the lowest unemployment rate in history, but to achieve this it had to carry out difficult reforms, Vucic noted, adding that this could serve as a good example for Serbia.

Vucic expressed his satisfaction over the very good bilateral ties between the two countries.

"I am very proud and pleased that our relationship with Great Britain is a sincere one, and that Great Britain puts forward its objections openly, but is also willing to hear Serbia's opinion," he said.

Vucic invited British officials to visit Serbia, and British businessmen to invest in the country, noting that several UK companies have already shown interest in some of the largest of the 502 companies undergoing privatization.

"We believe that in years to come Great Britain will support Serbia on its European path and increase its presence in our country," said Vucic.