German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Belgrade to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday to sign an agreement on cooperation in the creation of a critical lithium mine.
This was reported by DPA.
Scholz, Vucic, and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič are to sign an agreement on a strategic partnership for lithium mining in northwestern Serbia with Australian mining giant Rio Tinto.
The chancellor arrived in Belgrade late Thursday after attending the European Political Community summit in the UK. He was met at the airport by the Serbian president.
Scholz sees the Belgrade deal as a chance to reduce Europe's dependence on China for critical raw materials.
For Vucic, the partnership could help position the country's economy as a key pillar of Europe's green transition, bringing in revenue, investment, and jobs.
It could also improve the country's ties with the European Union, which have deteriorated somewhat in recent years despite Serbia's status as an EU candidate.
Author - Olena Madiak, 19/07/2024