Vucic with Austrian Chancellor: Serbia Can Always Count on Austria’s Support

In his address after the meeting, the Serbian president said that he had received, in written form, a letter signed by Chancellor Stocker confirming Austria’s participation in the international specialized exhibition EXPO 2027 in Belgrade.

“Austria’s participation in EXPO is of great significance for Serbia,” the president emphasized.

Vučić stated that they had also signed an agreement covering a wide range of areas in which Serbia and Austria could enhance their cooperation. According to him, Austria is a very important country for Serbia.

“It is our third-largest investor. I thank Austria for investing significant funds in our country. Where we believe we can make further progress is in our trade cooperation. I am confident that this will contribute to the further improvement of overall relations, especially political ties between Vienna and Belgrade,” Vucic said.

He added that it is important for Serbia to always have Austria’s support and assistance on its path toward the European Union.

“We discussed all important issues, from reforms in Serbia in the area of the rule of law to the necessity of dialogue with Pristina as the only possible way to overcome tensions and the existing crisis. At the same time, we pointed out the need to preserve peace and stability in the entire region,” the Serbian president stressed.

According to him, he and the chancellor also discussed migration movements, an area where there is excellent cooperation, including between the interior ministries, and he expects this cooperation to continue functioning well in the future, although he foresees a significant worsening along Serbia’s southern borders in the autumn, with a new influx of migrant groups.

He emphasized that cooperation would be advanced in the fields of new technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Stocker: Austria is Serbia’s Third-Largest Investor

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said that Serbia and Austria are connected not only by a shared history but also by strong human ties between the two countries.

“The Serbian community in Austria numbers more than 300,000 people, of whom 122,000 are Serbian citizens living in Austria. They are an important part of our society, which can no longer be imagined without them,” Stocker said.

Foto: ATAImages/R.Z.

He noted that Austria is the third-largest investor in Serbia, with over 800 Austrian companies operating here, providing around 25,000 jobs.

“This partnership is something we want to deepen today, and that is the purpose of the signature on this agreement, on this declaration we have placed on the document. In this regard, I am very pleased that with this document we have initiated the strengthening of economic cooperation, especially in the fields of hydropower and biomass, as well as telecommunications, wastewater treatment, infrastructure, and transport logistics,” Stocker said.

He stated that the fact that EXPO will be held for the first time in 2027 in the Western Balkans represents an important opportunity for the future of the entire region and that he was very pleased to confirm Austria’s participation in this event.

“This is also an excellent opportunity for Austria to present itself as a trade destination oriented toward innovation and the future. All of this should serve to strengthen cooperation,” Stocker said.

Foto: ATAImages/R.Z.

He added that consistent support is crucial for a credible European Union accession perspective for Serbia and the entire region and that this is important to Austria.

He stressed that it is important to make the enlargement process more tangible for citizens and that the same rules and standards should apply to all candidates, including admission of all candidates into the EU roaming zone.

Stocker emphasized that the people of Serbia can rely on Austria’s support on the path of reforms toward EU membership, that they support the opening of Cluster 3 in the negotiation process, and that they welcome every effort to bring all parties in the Belgrade–Pristina talks back to the table.

“We are sincerely committed to reducing tensions, but a sign of strength and integrity is what is not always easy – and that is reconciliation,” Stocker said, thanking President Vucic for his hospitality.

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