Vucic: Situation in Balkans also discussed with Erdogan

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Belgrade had also addressed the situation in the Balkans and that he had spoken clearly about Serbia's policy, about respect for international public law and about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as about Serbia's support for the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the integrity of Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At a press conference with Erdogan, Vucic said he was grateful to Turkey and its president for their understanding and willingness to hear out Serbia's views.

"We highly appreciate the position of the policy of Erdogan, who is leading an independent country in the interest of the people, not other powers. We are a much smaller country and we are trying to conduct a policy of our own. That is another bridge between Ankara and Belgrade, and I am confident we will translate that into better results and that our trade will exceed 3-4 bln euros. That will solidify peace in the Balkans," Vucic said, adding that the next session of a high council for Serbia-Turkey economic cooperation would be held in Ankara.

He also noted that Serbia and Turkey maintained excellent economic relations and the volume of their bilateral trade was seven times higher than it had been several years ago.

Vucic also said he hoped it would reach 2.6 bln euros by the end of the year.