AlQa'dah 23, 1436, Sep 7, 2015, SPA -- Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Serbia on Monday for lowering tension with neighbouring Kosovo, dpa reported. There had been "considerable and substantial progress" in ending the conflict, she said in remarks on the arrival of Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic at her Berlin office for talks. The two leaders were not scheduled to meet the media afterwards. The chancellor said this progress was an important facilitator for Serbia's talks on joining the European Union. Belgrade is hoping to commence the first stage of those talks before this year is out.