BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged Thursday to further strengthen relations with France for the future of Europe.

"Europe needs peace and courageous strategic decisions to set off on a path of accelerated growth and permanent prosperity, and it is only by working together, seriously and constructively that we can reach that goal," Vucic said on social media.

The remarks came after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on the margins of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, where he also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Serbia is a serious and constructive partner in resolving common European challenges and establishing peace in order to create a better future for all citizens,” said Vucic.

European leaders are attending the fifth EPC summit in Budapest to discuss global issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

The EPC was founded in 2022.