Serbian President Confirms Non-Signature of Anti-Russian Declaration in Ukraine
President Aleksandar Vučić highlights Serbia's territorial integrity and successful diplomatic engagements at the Southeast Europe-Ukraine summit.
President Aleksandar Vučić stated that he had productive meetings today in Odessa and expressed gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for fully respecting the UN Charter and Serbia's territorial integrity.
He noted the absence of representatives from Pristina at the Southeast Europe-Ukraine summit, describing it as a significant gesture towards Serbia, which he vowed to appreciate.
Vučić attended the summit for the fourth time, this time on Ukrainian soil.
During an address to Serbian media, he thanked the Ukrainian hosts and reiterated the importance of respect for international law and territorial matters.
Prior to a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, Vučić mentioned that they had already had lengthy discussions over lunch.
He reported engaging in both open and closed discussions with various leaders, including the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the Presidents of Croatia and Montenegro, along with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and the President of Romania.
He anticipated a visit from Romanian Prime Minister Nicuşor Dan to Serbia in the near future.
In discussing Serbia’s economic relations with Ukraine, Vučić emphasized the need to address trade relations through the World Trade Organization, noting that progress had been stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He highlighted the importance of advancing negotiations on free trade agreements to enhance economic opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He acknowledged that the message regarding territorial integrity was crucial to Serbia's position, indicating that the declaration that was adopted at the summit was complex and led to Serbia's abstention from signing.
Vučić clarified that claims in some Serbian media regarding his perceived betrayal of Russia were unfounded, asserting that Serbia was maintaining a position of neutrality.
In response to questions about his visit's unannounced nature and its implications, Vučić questioned the notion of betrayal, stating his attendance at the summit was not an act against Russia but rather a continuation of Serbia’s independent foreign policy.
He commented on the reactions of certain media, stating that they previously criticized him as a Russian agent and now accused him of aligning with opposing interests.
He defended Serbia’s approach as one that protects national interests in accordance with international law.
Acknowledging emotional responses within Serbia towards Ukraine, he questioned any wrongdoing by Ukraine against Serbia.
He praised Ukraine for not inviting representatives from Pristina and viewed this as an opportunity to build constructive relations.
Vučić expressed pride in Serbian foreign policy, asserting that maintaining independence and sovereignty is a priority.
He anticipated challenges ahead in sustaining this diplomatic approach post-presidency, slated for a year and a half to two years from now.
He emphasized the importance of personal relationships in foreign diplomacy, which he believes contribute to Serbia's independent policies.
He noted the absence of representatives from Pristina at the Southeast Europe-Ukraine summit, describing it as a significant gesture towards Serbia, which he vowed to appreciate.
Vučić attended the summit for the fourth time, this time on Ukrainian soil.
During an address to Serbian media, he thanked the Ukrainian hosts and reiterated the importance of respect for international law and territorial matters.
Prior to a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, Vučić mentioned that they had already had lengthy discussions over lunch.
He reported engaging in both open and closed discussions with various leaders, including the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the Presidents of Croatia and Montenegro, along with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and the President of Romania.
He anticipated a visit from Romanian Prime Minister Nicuşor Dan to Serbia in the near future.
In discussing Serbia’s economic relations with Ukraine, Vučić emphasized the need to address trade relations through the World Trade Organization, noting that progress had been stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He highlighted the importance of advancing negotiations on free trade agreements to enhance economic opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He acknowledged that the message regarding territorial integrity was crucial to Serbia's position, indicating that the declaration that was adopted at the summit was complex and led to Serbia's abstention from signing.
Vučić clarified that claims in some Serbian media regarding his perceived betrayal of Russia were unfounded, asserting that Serbia was maintaining a position of neutrality.
In response to questions about his visit's unannounced nature and its implications, Vučić questioned the notion of betrayal, stating his attendance at the summit was not an act against Russia but rather a continuation of Serbia’s independent foreign policy.
He commented on the reactions of certain media, stating that they previously criticized him as a Russian agent and now accused him of aligning with opposing interests.
He defended Serbia’s approach as one that protects national interests in accordance with international law.
Acknowledging emotional responses within Serbia towards Ukraine, he questioned any wrongdoing by Ukraine against Serbia.
He praised Ukraine for not inviting representatives from Pristina and viewed this as an opportunity to build constructive relations.
Vučić expressed pride in Serbian foreign policy, asserting that maintaining independence and sovereignty is a priority.
He anticipated challenges ahead in sustaining this diplomatic approach post-presidency, slated for a year and a half to two years from now.
He emphasized the importance of personal relationships in foreign diplomacy, which he believes contribute to Serbia's independent policies.
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