Vucic: Tajani has always called for calming the situation when we had issues with Pristina

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated today, after a bilateral meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, that Tajani has always been the one calling for peace and de-escalation whenever there were issues with Pristina. He particularly thanked Italy for the contribution of its officers and soldiers in protecting Serbian religious sites in Kosovo. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani thanked Vucic for his kind words about the Italian soldiers who, as he noted, help maintain peace and fight against violence and aggression.

"Italy is a friend of Serbia, and I am grateful to Tajani for supporting Serbia on all fronts. Over the years, we have become friends because whenever Serbia faced difficulties or problems, whether with Pristina or other challenges, Tajani was always the first to call, urging peace and de-escalation. He has always stood by Serbia, just like Italy has supported us on our European path," Vucic emphasized.

He shared that during their open and constructive bilateral meeting, they had discussed all key issues, from maintaining peace and stability in the region to analyzing geopolitical developments and enhancing bilateral relations. He affirmed Serbia's support for all Italian initiatives and its willingness to participate in Italy’s efforts to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine and other parts of the world.

"I am grateful to Italy for providing security and stability to our monasteries and religious sites in Kosovo and Metohija. We have always had excellent cooperation with Italian generals, officers, and soldiers," Vucic highlighted.

He also noted that he had discussed with Tajani ways to bring the region closer to the European Union.

"It is of great importance that, within the framework of the new geopolitical landscape, we strengthen our special friendship and partnership with Italy. Few countries will have as strong a relationship with the new US administration as Italy, under Giorgia Meloni. I believe that on some specific issues, we will have the support of the Italian government, including matters related to sanctions on our companies with Russian ownership," Vucic stated.

Tajani: Italian soldiers protect peace, religious sites, and the Serbian people in Kosovo

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the efforts of Italian soldiers in safeguarding religious sites and the Serbian community in Kosovo. He thanked President Vucic for his kind words about the Italian troops, who, he said, work to maintain peace and combat violence and aggression.

Tajani reiterated that Italy wants Serbia to join the EU as soon as possible, adding that the Western Balkans is a priority for Italy’s foreign policy.

"Our goal is to have a stable region while also expanding our common European market to include countries that were initially unable to join the EU. Serbia is the largest country in the region, and Italy wants Serbia to overcome all obstacles and become a full-fledged EU member," Tajani stressed.

He pointed out that the business forum demonstrates the strong presence of Italian companies working with Serbia and that this number will only increase once Serbia joins the EU.

He mentioned that he and Vucic had also discussed international cooperation, the ongoing wars that are causing concern, and their economic repercussions.

"We all want to work for peace. We also discussed Ukraine’s reconstruction, and we have invited Serbian companies to a conference on this topic in July. We all want to contribute to establishing a just peace that will allow Ukraine to be a free country," Tajani said.

He also mentioned discussions about the new US administration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relations, which remains a priority for Italy.

"We want to collaborate with the new US administration. After Prime Minister Meloni’s meeting with President Donald Trump, Italy can serve as a bridge between the US and Europe," Tajani stressed.

When asked by journalists about Serbia’s potential EU accession date, Tajani responded that the previous EU leadership mentioned 2030 as the target year, but he believes it could happen even sooner.

"Italy will certainly work toward making that happen sooner," Tajani concluded.