European Union enlargement will be a key focus for Poland during its presidency of the bloc which starts in January, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday during a visit to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.
Tusk said during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that his view of Serbia's place in Europe and Polish-Serbian friendship has not changed over the years.
“In these difficult times, knowing that there are differences on several important issues between Serbia and Poland, the ability to build trust, empathy and understanding is something priceless,” he said.
"During the Polish presidency, enlargement, including close cooperation with Serbia, will be at the center of my attention.”
Tusk added: “EU enlargement must include Serbia because there is no complete European Union without Serbia. It is a hard process. I know that there are disappointments on both sides; not everyone understands each other all the time.”
The two leaders also discussed strengthening economic ties and investment opportunities in strategic projects, as well as their differing stances toward Russia.
Polish and Serbian officials also discussed the issue of Kosovo. Vučić said that he "asked Prime Minister Tusk to listen to him regarding the matter of Kosovo."
"I presented many facts and asked [Tusk] to verify them. I am very grateful that he listened to me," said Vučić.
Kosovo—a former province of Serbia—declared independence in 2008, which was recognized by 104 out of 193 United Nations member states.
Vučić added that during the talks, "the topics of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East were also addressed."
Serbia, which was bombed by NATO during the 1999 war in Kosovo, has historically close ties to Russia but also aspires to join the European Union.
Serbia's government has come under pressure from Western countries to align with the bloc and impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Vučić said on Sunday that Serbia did not plan to deviate from its stance to not impose sanctions.
“In these difficult times, knowing that there are differences on several important issues between Serbia and Poland, the ability to build trust, empathy and understanding is something priceless,” he said.
"During the Polish presidency, enlargement, including close cooperation with Serbia, will be at the center of my attention.”
Tusk added: “EU enlargement must include Serbia because there is no complete European Union without Serbia. It is a hard process. I know that there are disappointments on both sides; not everyone understands each other all the time.”
The two leaders also discussed strengthening economic ties and investment opportunities in strategic projects, as well as their differing stances toward Russia.
Polish and Serbian officials also discussed the issue of Kosovo. Vučić said that he "asked Prime Minister Tusk to listen to him regarding the matter of Kosovo."
"I presented many facts and asked [Tusk] to verify them. I am very grateful that he listened to me," said Vučić.
Kosovo—a former province of Serbia—declared independence in 2008, which was recognized by 104 out of 193 United Nations member states.
Vučić added that during the talks, "the topics of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East were also addressed."
Serbia, which was bombed by NATO during the 1999 war in Kosovo, has historically close ties to Russia but also aspires to join the European Union.
Serbia's government has come under pressure from Western countries to align with the bloc and impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Vučić said on Sunday that Serbia did not plan to deviate from its stance to not impose sanctions.
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