Vucic: We want to establish Austrian model in Serbia

BELGRADE - First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that Serbia's goal is to achieve the Austrian model of state governance, but noted that for that to happen, the country has to work hard for years and decades and change many things.

After talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, Vucic said that Serbia would be a stable country, open to investments, and voiced expectation that the country would get Austria' backing.

Underscoring that Austria is one of Serbia's most significant partners, not only concerning the EU path, but also the biggest investor, Vucic said that Serbia wants Austria as a sincere friend that could point to mistakes and facilitate a more efficient development of Serbia, and help the country get closer to the Austrian and German models.

Vucic said that he had asked the foreign minister for Austria's greater assistance and support in the EU integration process, in terms of knowledge and investment attraction, especially after improving the business environment in the country.

"We will complete our job by the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019 in terms of reforms relating to Kosovo-Metohija and the rule of law, regardless of what the EU would decide," Vucic said.

Vucic said it was pleasure to welcome one of the most talented young ministers in Europe.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said after meeting with Serbia's First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday that Austria is ready to help Serbia's EU bid wherever it can.

Thanking for being given the opportunity to visit Serbia today, Kurz told a press conference that Austria increased its budget for regional projects to EUR four million from the previous EUR 1.9...