President of Serbia Meets with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Moscow

The Serbian President thanked the Chinese President for all the support and assistance China has provided to Serbia, both economically and politically.

"Thank you for always respecting and defending Serbia’s territorial integrity. Just as I can say anywhere that we defend not only the territorial integrity of China, but that for us there is only one principle – the One China principle," Vucic stated.

Vucic expressed his gratitude for China’s confirmation of its participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, stating that Serbia wishes for the strongest possible presence of China in both Belgrade and Serbia.

The Serbian President also thanked China for the Smederevo steel plant, noting that two of the three largest exporters from Serbia today are Chinese companies.

Foto: Tanjug

During his meeting with Vucic, Putin said he appreciated the fact that Vucic came to Moscow despite external pressures.

"I deeply appreciate your presence with us on Victory Day, and I value Serbia’s independent and sovereign course in international relations," Putin said.

At the beginning of the conversation, Putin greeted Vucic by saying, "My friend, allow me to welcome you to Moscow," noting that he was aware "some tried" to persuade Vucic to make a different decision, creating logistical obstacles for his visit.

Vucic then thanked Putin for his support of Serbia’s sovereignty.

"We are proud of the role our people played in the liberation of our country from Nazi occupiers, and we are deeply grateful to the Red Army, the Soviet Army, for playing a major role in that liberation," Vucic said, speaking in Russian.

Putin stated that Victory Day is a shared holiday.

"This is our joint celebration – our soldiers fought side by side against Nazi occupiers. I well remember our phone call on October 20, 2024, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from German-Fascist occupiers. The Belgrade offensive, a joint operation by the Soviet Army and the units of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia, became one of the key events in the final phase of World War II. We are aware of the great respect the Serbian government and people show for the memory of the fallen fighters who gave their lives for the freedom of our countries," Putin said.

Vucic emphasized that he was satisfied with the meeting, describing it as long, substantive, and serious.

"Today we opened negotiations on a new long-term gas agreement. My request, and I believe it will be fulfilled, is for Serbia to receive highly favorable terms for acquiring Russian gas in the years ahead," Vucic stated, adding that the two also discussed Kosovo and Metohija.

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