Kern: Serbia has impressive economic results

VIENNA - Serbia has achieved impressive economic results under Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern said on Friday, congratulating Vucic on his new term as prime minister.

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Serbia has seen positive, promising development, he said after a meeting with Vucic.

There are 440 Austrian companies operating in Serbia and they have had excellent experiences in terms of the business climate, which has led them to invest around 2.9 bln euros, Kern said.

That is a good foundation, but it is our joint wish that we develop further the cooperation in this field, Kern told a press conference after the meeting, noting Vucic's government had significantly reduced the unemployment rate in Serbia.

For us it is logical that we want to back Serbia's path towards the EU - we consider Serbia a natural partner of the EU; we support the accession process and see it as positive for the EU's further development, Kern said.

Construction of a high-speed rail line from Belgrade to Budapest would be in Austria's interest as it would result in even closer ties between the capitals of Serbia and Austria, also spurring economic development, Kern said.

Noting he was on his first visit abroad since taking the oath of office as prime minister, Vucic said this demonstrated the extent to which Serbia saw Austria as a sincere friend and a country assisting it on its European path.

I was able to learn much about the economy from Chancellor Kern - Serbia has relatively good growth which, however, is not high enough, considering the gap separating us from highly developed countries, Vucic said.

Vucic invited Kern to pay a visit to Serbia, expressing the hope that it would take place by the end of this year.

(Telegraf.co.uk / Tanjug)