The European Union's foreign policy chief has offered support to the new Serbian government in its bid to overhaul the economy and pursue membership in the 28-nation bloc.
Catherine Ashton held talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on Monday, a day after his Cabinet took office. She says she was "absolutely delighted I have been able to make this special visit to Serbia."
Ashton adds that "the European Union is determined to help and support Serbia in its efforts to ensure a strong economic path for its people."
Vucic says he has sought EU backing "for tough and bold economic reform" in the Balkan country which went through a decade of wars and international isolation during the 1990s'. Vucic has expressed hope Serbia can join the EU in 2020.