Serbian president meets German defense minister, emphasizes importance of regional peace

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday met German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht and emphasized the importance of regional peace and security.

The two addressed a press conference after their meeting in the capital Belgrade in which they discussed cooperation in the field of defense, regional and geopolitical topics.

Vucic said Serbia has committed for peace and stability, and Germany is one of the most important partners for Serbia and its integration into the European Union.

"It is important that we have frequent and open talks with our German partners, you are always welcome in Serbia," he added.

Lambrecht said Serbia is the largest country in the Western Balkans, an important partner for Germany, and its future lies in the EU.

She hoped momentum in Serbia's normalization and rapprochement process with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. But Belgrade claims it as a breakaway province.

The two leaders also spoke on Russia's war on Ukraine, which began in February. Lambrecht later left for Pristina in Kosovo.