The Serbian President’s media service said on Thursday that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited President Aleksandar Vucic to visit Berlin in January.

“Chancellor Merkel invited President Vucic to visit Berlin in January which the Serbian President accepted with pleasure,” the press release said.  

It added that Vucic and Merkel spoke by phone about bilateral relations and the situation in the region and added that they expressed satisfaction with the constant progress in the political dialogue and economic cooperation between the two countries.  

Vucic is quoted as thanking Merkel for Germany’s continued support for Seria’s European integration, especially in view of the fact that Germany will chair the European Union in the second half of next year. Vucic also expressed the need for a clear EU expansion plan and time frame for membership since the process is important to the peace and stability of the Western Balkans. He said that Serbia would continue to promote its policy of peace and cooperation.

Speaking about the Kosovo issue, the Serbian President told the German Chancellor that it is important for Germany and Europe to remain firm in the stand that the authorities in Pristina have to revoke the 100 percent tariffs on Serbian goods in order to continue the dialogue which Serbia is fully committed to, the press release said.