PM talks to U.S. and German ambassadors in separate meetings

PM talks to U.S. and German ambassadors in separate meetings

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday received U.S. Ambassador Kyle Scott.

According to the Serbian government, Scott "congratulated Vucic on the EU's decision to open Chapters 23 and 24 in the accession talks with Serbia."

The U.S. diplomat also "noted that the work on improving the rule of law would also be significant for creating better conditions for foreign investors."

Scott "highlighted the significance of existing cooperation between the two countries and a US support programme aimed at helping Serbian institutions introduce higher standards in that area, as well as in the fight against corruption," the Serbian government press office said.

Vucic noted the government's commitment to "continuing ongoing reforms and launching new ones to enable the citizens to feel economic stability and progress."

Scott handed to Vucic a letter from U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice in which she thanked him for Serbia's support for the ratification of an amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

Vucic and Scott "noted the significance of preserving regional stability, to which Serbia is seeking to contribute through maintaining good relations with its neighbours," the statement said.

They also "discussed the significance of an upcoming visit to Serbia by Victoria Nuland, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs." Also on Thursday, Aleksandar Vucic received German Ambassador Axel Dittmann. Two two "discussed Serbia's path towards the EU, the Paris summit held as part of the Berlin Process, the migrant crisis and the situation in the region."

Vucic "expressed gratitude for the support provided to Serbia by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her country in the process of EU accession talks."

Dittmann "welcomed the EU's decision to open negotiation chapters 23 and 24 with Serbia, noting that those chapters were significant for the country's transformation on the path towards the EU," the Serbian government said.

Serbia must continue the process of the economic reforms that have been successfully launched by the government, Dittmann said, adding that additional steps needed to be taken in the field of the rule of law.

Serbia has agreed with the EU a very detailed action plan that now needs to be implemented, Vucic and Dittmann agreed.