The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade, as well as other political and economic topics.
Vucic highlighted that Serbia will not impose sanctions on the Russian Federation.
Speaking to journalists, Vucic shared that Putin invited him to attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism in Moscow next year.
Aleksandar Vucic mentioned that Vladimir Putin invited him to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism on May 9 next year, as the President of Serbia.
“Putin extended an early invitation, given that today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade, for me to attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism as the President of the Republic of Serbia on May 9 next year,” Vucic told journalists during the opening of an exhibition at the Presidency.
Vucic thanked Putin for the congratulations and highlighted the unyielding spirit of freedom of the Serbian people.
He also expressed special gratitude to Russia for ensuring a sufficient supply of gas to Serbia at favorable prices.
“I believe that this conversation will further help the development of relations between Russia and Serbia, not only in terms of mutual support but also in fostering trust between our nations and countries,” Vucic said at the end of a video post on Instagram.
Vucic stressed that the conversation was friendly, adding that President Putin stated during their discussion, “What is good for Serbia is good for Russia.”
“We spoke as people who have known each other for a long time, as friends, and the ten-minute conversation had a personal touch. We also discussed who the weak leaders are, and who the strong leaders are. I am very grateful to Putin for adding that personal note,” Vucic told journalists at the opening of the exhibition at the Presidency.
Vucic noted that Putin repeated twice during their conversation, “What is good for Serbia is good for Russia, and what is good for Serbs is good for Russians.”
He added that he took notes during the conversation and will further work on them.
“As Mr. Kosachev said – we don’t always have to think the same way about everything, but President Putin, more than any other Russian politician, understands Serbia’s position and the weight of that position,” Vucic said.
He added that this is all he could say about the matter.
“If I were to tell you what it looks like when 25 presidents or prime ministers turn towards one person and one president and ask – why haven’t you imposed sanctions, you’re the only intruder here? Imagine the situation you’re in at that moment, and this hasn’t happened just once, but dozens and dozens of times,” Vucic noted.
President Vucic highlighted that Serbia’s position is not easy, but that the country has managed to maintain its independence and sovereignty in decision-making, which is extremely difficult.
“Will there be many difficulties in the future? I have no doubt about that,” Vucic added.
