20/03/2020 (Agence Europe) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed on Friday 20 March that "in these difficult times", with the COVID-19 epidemic, "good cooperation and solidarity is needed", in a telephone conversation with the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić. On Monday 16 March, the latter had criticised the Union's lack of solidarity, calling on China for help (see EUROPE 12447/7). Mr Borrell reminded Mr Vučić that the EU was looking at how to associate the Western Balkans in its initiatives to combat COVID-19 and how to best offer support in mitigating the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus (see EUROPE 12448/14). "Close coordination with all neighbours, at regional level and with the EU, is key in an effective response to the pandemic", the High Representative warned. (CG)