Macron concludes two-day visit to Serbia

(Patria) - French President Emmanuel Macron today concluded a two-day visit to Serbia, marked by the purchase of 12 new "Rafale" fighter jets and Macron's message of support for Belgrade on its path to Brussels, as well as Paris's favour towards the project of mining rare raw materials in Serbia.

On the first day of Macron's visit yesterday, Serbia signed an agreement with France to purchase 12 new "Rafale" fighter jets worth 2.7 billion euros.

The agreement, signed by Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, includes a logistics package, spare engines, and parts for these multi-purpose aircraft.

Macron assessed that the purchase of "Rafale" jets is a clear choice representing the will for a long-term alliance between the two countries within a strong, sovereign European Union.

He also stated that Serbia's place is in the EU and that it "needs a strong Serbia", and Serbia needs "a strong and sovereign EU to defend its interests".

The visit of the French head of state was accompanied by the signing of a total of 12 intergovernmental agreements.

Speaking about the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, Macron reiterated that the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is an integral part of approaching the EU and that there can be no compromise without brave decisions from both sides.