He points out that the Montenegro’s accession to NATO cannot negatively affect either the relations between the two countries or the relations within the region.
“I emphasise that Serbia and Montenegro have not signed the same agreements when it comes to the Alliance. Unlike Montenegro, Serbia is not to join any military alliance, but it does not interfere in the internal affairs of Montenegro,” Vucic said.
He added that “Serbia has good bilateral relations with Montenegro, which we want to improve”.
Vucic pointed out that “Serbia remained militarily neutral and continued its cooperation with Russia, whereas the European Union still remained its goal”.
Serbian PM explained that this would be a difficult year in both economic and political terms for the region, which was facing a migration crisis.
“When the region is concerned, I have to point out the problem of increasing nationalism in the Balkans, which is avoided to be mentioned. The fact is that it can be felt everywhere in the region and only a politically blind man can pretend not to see it. All the countries in the region aspiring to EU membership are taking serious steps to get closer to the Union, but at the same time the EU has lost the magical power it used to have. We want to become part of the EU and we are committed to it, but it is no longer a big dream as it was in the past. We still have a lot to do, particularly in the judiciary and the fight against corruption and crime. In order to achieve that, we need the support of the EBRD and the EU. However, in the meantime we go further, with the intention of being part of the EU,” Vucic said.
He added that there were still many things we should do in the coming period in order to be a part of Europe.
“We know how important it is to invest in good economic and political relations. We live in the Balkans and we are proud that we are here. Some would perhaps like to be out of the Balkans. For us, this is irrelevant and we want the best possible relations with all the people and nations in the Balkans. For us, the region should be the centre of our interest,” said the Serbian prime minister.
