Aleksandar Vučić expresses skepticism about a change in US sanctions against NIS during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Aleksandar Vučić, the President of Serbia, expressed uncertainty regarding the likelihood of the United States altering its decision on sanctions imposed on the Serbian oil company NIS.
His comments were made during a press conference alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest.
When asked by the Tanjug news agency whether he anticipated a favorable response from the US regarding Serbia's request for a delay or revision of the sanctions, Vučić acknowledged that while he hoped for a positive change, historical context suggested otherwise.
He referred to comments made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who cited discussions with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, indicating that the decisions made by President
Joe Biden had been influenced by sentiments of revenge.
Vučić stated, "We are working together with our Hungarian friends on all issues," and highlighted that he understood the dynamics of the ongoing discussions involving Szijjártó’s trip to Washington, where significant meetings were anticipated in the coming days.
"When Szijjártó is in Washington or Moscow, we are partially there too.
When Viktor is there, we are even more present," he added.
He also mentioned conversations with Orbán, underscoring their close cooperation, stating that they regularly update each other on developments.
Additionally, Vučić remarked on external challenges faced by Serbia, suggesting that the country had successfully navigated what he termed as a ‘colored revolution.’ He disclosed plans to seek a Hungarian publisher for his upcoming book titled "How I Defeated the Colored Revolution," expressing belief in its relevance in Hungary.
In a broader context, Viktor Orbán commented on the global challenges beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that when world powers negotiate, they address not only regional issues but also significant global matters including energy and trade.
He noted the importance of these discussions in the context of forming a new global framework and criticized European leaders for their passive approach in addressing the Russia-Ukraine situation.
Orbán asserted, "European Council and European Commission bureaucrats lack innovative political vision and have consistently chosen a position for war over peace, missing opportunities for proactive engagement."
The meeting took place during Vučić's one-day visit to Budapest, where he was honored by Hungarian President Tamás Sülyok with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit with a necklace and a golden star.