We appreciate Vatican's position on Kosovo: Vucic after his meeting with Pope Francis (PHOTO)

He discussed with His Holiness Pope Francis bilateral relations, Serbia's European integration, regional and international cooperation

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was on an official visit to the Vatican today, where he met with Pope Francis and Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

He discussed with His Holiness Pope Francis bilateral relations, Serbia's European integration, regional and international cooperation.

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President Vucic emphasized that cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Roman Catholic Church is very good and at a very constructive level, with mutual respect. He said that Serbia has a long-term commitment to fostering and improving relations with the Holy See, adding that next year we will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

During the meeting, President Vucic emphasized that relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Holy See are characterized by aligned views on significant international issues. This first and foremost concerns the issue of protecting Christians and Christian heritage and promoting their human rights.

In this regard, President Vucic emphasized the exceptional importance of protecting, respecting and promoting the rights of the Serb and other non-Albanian populations in Kosovo and Metohija, protection and restoration of the Serb religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo, and especially the UNESCO-protected Orthodox Christian churches and monasteries.

"We highly appreciate the principled position of the Holy See regarding the non-recognition of Kosovo's unilaterally proclaimed independence, as well as the understanding for the position of Serbia based on respect for international law," emphasized President Vucic and thanked the Vatican for its constructive approach to this issue.

"Serbia is strongly convinced that talks represent the only way to resolve all outstanding issues, which is why, even after the introduction of taxes (on Serbian goods), we refrained from reciprocal measures and any moves that would further aggravate the current situation. Our side continues with its constructive commitment to finding a sustainable and compromise solution to the Kosovo and Metohija issue solely through dialogue. However, the Pristina side, by making irrational unilateral moves and through constant provocations, prevents any dialogue and agreement," stressed President Vucic.

During the meeting today, Vucic expressed his sincere gratitude to the Holy See and Pope Francis for their support to Serbia's European integration.

(Telegraf.rs)