Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said in Istanbul on Friday it was essential for his country to have excellent communications with Turkey, which he described as one of the most significant powers in the world.

Ahead of meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vucic told reporters in Istanbul that the demographic, economic, cultural and other Turkish potentials were enormous.

“It's important to have good relations with them. They are close to Serbia, have great influence in the region, and we are trying to preserve the best relationship which we will improve in the future,” Vucic said.

He added his talks with Erdoğan would focus on all “burning issues,” economic topic, relations in the Mediterranean and the normalisation of Belgrade – Pristina economic ties agreed upon in Washington on September 4.