Western Balkans as "major development mechanism of EU"

Western Balkans as "major development mechanism of EU"

"The Western Balkans will have a far higher economic growth than the EU, and the EU realizes that and understands that the countries of the region cannot be in the waiting room on the road to the EU for several decades," he told reporters.

"I respect my colleagues from the region and regional partnership that is based on mutual respect.
We are here to discuss and to improve our cooperation. We are on the European road and I believe that together we can accelerate that," he said, as quoted by the government.

Vucic also "explained that it is important for Serbia to be represented at the fair in Mostar, but also to improve economic relations with others in the region through cooperation and common market."

"It is important to come out with a new initiative for the chamber investment forum. I believe that this may be yet another new idea for improving the cooperation between our countries and enabling easier and better life for the citizens of Serbia, as well as for citizens of countries in the region," he said.

He announced that he will meet with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic with whom he will discuss bilateral relations, but also the situation in connection with the Agrokor company.

While in Mostar, the prime minister met with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic with whom he discussed bilateral relations "that are good and that can be even better."

"The two countries have common projects on infrastructure connection, and both countries have a variety of offers for the construction of a highway," he said.

Vujanovic said congratulated Vucic on the victory in the presidential elections in Serbia.

Vucic also met with Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina chairman and Serb member, Mladen Ivanic, and with Dragan Covic, who represents Croats in the tripartite body.

"We particularly addressed the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, I exchanged opinions on the situation in Macedonia with all, which is a bit of a burden for each of us," Vucic said, according to Beta.

The Serbian prime minister also met with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic.

In a statement to RTS in Mostar, Vucic said that the task of the leaders in the region was to present in Mostar their countries' economic potential and to work on developing and enhancing relations.

He thanked the hosts for their hospitality, describing as important the presence of Serbian businesspeople at the fair in Mostar, which opens on April 4.

According to Vucic, representatives of 18 Serbian companies arrived in Mostar, while another nine will be present at the agriculture and wine fair.