Vucic pushes for Serbia-Italy-Albania "trilateral meeting"

Vucic pushes for Serbia-Italy-Albania "trilateral meeting"

"That is why your entry to the EU is very significant," Mattarella said during a meeting with Vucic.

Italy wishes Serbia to join the European Union, as soon as possible, the Italian president said, according to Beta.

"And that's one of the basic elements of our foreign policy. Serbia is a leader of regional stability, which is why your entry into the EU is very important," Mattarella said during the meeting.

The agency quoted a statement issued by the Serbian president's press office that said Vucic and Mattarella discussed bilateral relations, Serbia's EU accession and joint projects in fighting terrorism and curbing corruption.

Mattarella "congratulated Vucic on his new duty, emphasizing that his visit to Italy confirmed great friendship between the two states," the press release said, and added that the Italian president noted that the growing presence of Italian entrepreneurs in Serbia confirmed the development of the two states - while "a lot has been done in the fight against terrorism and corruption, and in joint projects."

"Serbia can be successful in EU integrations, but it can also keep its traditional relations," said Vucic.

Vucic also met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

Addressing reporters in Rome after the meetings, the Serbian president announced he would initiate a trilateral meeting of Serbia, Italy and Albania that would be aimed at forging closer ties and participation in joint projects.

Vucic said he would discuss the idea with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama first.