PM: There's no political price Serbia's not prepared to pay

PM: There's no political price Serbia's not prepared to pay

"These are difficult times. We have been able to define our position in a firm way, but the regional situation is something that I am very worried by. But I can promise that we will keep peace in the region, and there is no political price that we are not prepared to pay in order to maintain stability," Vucic said speaking on the topic of Serbia as "a key partner to Europe, Russia and America."

The prime minister then stressed that he was proud to serve in that office, and was also proud of the results that Serbia has achieved and which, as he said, no one can deny.

"We inherited a state with a budget deficit of 6.6 percent, and today we are in the black, which is better than some European countries. We're best when it comes to economic growth in the region. In the coming years we will have growth of more than three percent, and I hope that we will be able to do better, maybe even 3.5 percent, which will guarantee real progress of our economy," said Vucic.

He added that "better times are ahead of us."

"We will raise salaries in the public sector, and the only problem we face today is the instability of the region. It's best for us all to maintain peace and stability," said Vucic.

According to a statement issued by the government, the prime minister stressed that while there was constant talk about Serbia balancing politically that was not the case, and that instead "Serbia is on its European path, but it wishes to maintain traditionally good relations with Russia."

"We managed to increase our trade exchange with Russia, but also much more with the countries of the region. We have very much improved relations with the United States, and I hope that in the future they will be even better. We have stabilized our position in the world, but there are still many walls to bring down because of prejudices and our history," said Vucic.

Cameron Munter, who heads the EastWest think-tank and who in the past served as the U.S. ambassador in Belgrade, described Serbia as "the anchor of stability in the Balkans" before introducing Vucic.

The lecture was attended by "numerous guests, and by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Brian Yee," Tanjug has reported.