Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received on Monday in Belgrade US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Pete Marocco.

According to a press release from the president's office, they discussed "bilateral relations and the situation in the region."

Vucic is quoted as saying that Serbia and the US were "continuing on a path of deepening bilateral relations and that visits by US officials were a good opportunity to remember the long-standing, fruitful ties."

The interlocutors also "agreed that 100 years since the raising of the Serbian flag over the White House is a significant anniversary," and, an opportunity to "mark the friendship between Serbian and American peoples."

According to the press release, Vucic and Marocco "assessed that a positive trend of bilateral relations can be seen through a wide range of common interests."

Vucic said he "appreciates the commitment and support of the US administration in resolving the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, because he believes that reaching a true compromise with Pristina is the only guarantee for the future of Serbia and the entire region."

The US official said he "appreciates Vucic's commitment to peace and stability in the region and the contribution he gives in inter-ethnic dialogue in the Western Balkans."

He added that Serbia is taking "significant steps in the fight against extremism and terrorism and sees great opportunities for cooperation in the two countries" and stressed that Serbia has made significant progress in the reforms necessary to join the EU.