(MENAFN) Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker on Wednesday urged Serbia to actively participate in discussions with Kosovo, emphasizing that the ongoing dialogue process remains the only viable route toward stabilizing relations between the two parties.

During a joint news conference held alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Stocker reaffirmed Austria’s continued backing for Serbia’s ambitions to join the European Union.

However, he underlined that progress toward membership requires the fulfillment of essential conditions.

Stocker pointed out that step-by-step integration in sectors like energy and transportation should come before full EU admission.

He also emphasized that adherence to the rule of law, along with the independence of both media and the judiciary, are fundamental principles of the European bloc.

“We welcome any effort that will bring the actors in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process back to the table. There is no alternative to the dialogue process,” Stocker stated, underlining the necessity of continuing the negotiations.

President Vucic shared that his talks with the Austrian chancellor included a wide range of topics, such as Serbia’s European integration journey and the current state of bilateral ties.

“Austria is an important country for Serbia. It is our third-largest investor after China and the Netherlands. I thank Austria for making significant investments in Serbia,” Vucic noted.

He further highlighted Austria’s influential role in promoting peace and regional security and suggested that economic cooperation between the nations could be expanded further.

The Serbian president also reiterated his country’s intention to solve disagreements with Kosovo through peaceful dialogue.

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