(ANSA) - BELGRADE - Germany supports the process towards European integration of Serbia, a growing country which plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Balkan region, the German vice-chancellor and foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, said in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Gabriel said that "Serbia is of great importance for the future of the Western Balkans and the whole of Europe". In order to join the EU, added the Social Democratic politician, it is necessary to meet the EU's criteria and standards, especially in terms of rule of law, independent justice, freedom of press and expression, fight against corruption and organized crime. According to Gabriel, Serbia's accession could take place even before 2025, the deadline indicated in the recent EU document on the Western Balkans enlargement strategy, but it is also necessary to invest a lot - he said - in infrastructure, education and technological research. It is also important to resolve the Kosovo issue, with the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Gabriel acknowledged Vucic's efforts to find a solution, both as president and when he was head of government. In the talks between Vucic and Gabriel, the excellent political and economic relations between Germany and Serbia were highlighted. Germany is the biggest trading partner of the Balkan country with a trade amounting to 4.4bn euro, and with German companies employing 37,000 people. (ANSA).