Vucic receives US senators

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received US Senators Chris Murphy and Gary Peters on Thursday, and noted that Serbia was committed to develop closer cooperation with the US in all areas of mutual interest.

The senators extended condolences over the recent tragic events in Serbia and, in light of Murphy's gun control initiative that followed a mass school shooting in Connecticut, US, the parties exchanged views on measures the Serbian authorities were taking.

A part of the discussion was dedicated to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and Vucic noted that the establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities was now a priority, the presidential press office said in a statement.

Vucic especially noted that Belgrade had been demonstrating seriousness and responsibility since the beginning of the dialogue despite constant provocations and numerous unilateral moves by Pristina that obstructed the process of seeking a compromise and sustainable solution.

Speaking about the present global geopolitical and security situation, Vucic reiterated that Serbia remained committed to a consistent policy of protecting national and state interests as well as to respect of the principle of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

Serbia's key interest is the maintaining of stability in the region, a positive agenda and a strengthening of regional cooperation in all areas, especially in the economy, Vucic said.

In that way, through initiatives such as Open Balkan, Serbia is promoting a policy oriented to the future in a consistent and persevering manner, putting the emphasis on mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.