Vucic in Abu Dhabi: I believe that in two or three days it will be known who will buy the Russian stake in NIS

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, where he attended the ceremonial opening of Sustainability Week 2026, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he believes that within two or three days it will be definitively known who will purchase the Russian stake in Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS).

13.01.2026. 11:54

Vucic in Abu Dhabi: I believe that in two or three days it will be known who will buy the Russian stake in NIS

Commenting on journalists’ remarks that he had spoken on Monday with representatives of MOL in Belgrade, and when asked who is closer to acquiring the Russian stake in NIS , whether the Hungarians or whether he is also discussing the matter in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Vucic replied: "Or perhaps both; we will see".

Asked to be more specific, Vucic briefly said that it could possibly be both parties.

"Those you mentioned. Or perhaps both - six words. In two or three days, I believe you will know", President Vucic said.

He stressed that he does not expect the final sales agreement for NIS to be concluded within two or three days.

"When binding contractual terms are submitted, then it is clear in which direction things are going, and it is difficult for there to be any deal-breakers after that. I expect this to happen, and I hope it will be within the next 48 hours, within the timeframe we indicated - by January 15", Vucic said.

Foto: Tanjug/Vladimir Šporčić

He added that he expects binding term sheets (key elements of the future agreement) to be submitted to OFAC within 48 hours, and that the final agreement should be completed by February or March.

"When binding contractual terms are submitted, then it is clear in which direction things are going, and it is difficult for there to be any deal-breakers after that. I expect this to happen, and I hope it will be within the next 48 hours, within the timeframe we indicated - by January 15",Vucic said, responding to journalists’ questions about when he expects the NIS sale agreement to be finalized.

He added that he hopes the operating license will be extended afterward.

"An EP delegation is coming to Belgrade uninvited"

Asked to comment on allegations that he and Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic are avoiding a meeting with a European Parliament delegation in Belgrade, Vucic said that the delegation was not invited and did not inform anyone about the visit.

"First, they are coming uninvited. Second, they themselves decided to visit Serbia at that time. During that period, I have long-scheduled commitments in Davos, arranged five months ago, which will be very important, and you will see whom I will be meeting with", Vucic added.

He said that he does not wish to meet with the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, with MEP Vladimir Prebilic, or with those who, as he put it, wish Serbia ill.

"The third and important point, so that they do not say that I am avoiding anyone: I am not avoiding anything. I do not want to meet with Picula, Prebilic, or any of them. It does not occur to me to waste time. I have far more important people to meet and to make decisions about Serbia’s future with those who wish Serbia well, not with those who wish it harm. Therefore, I do not want to see them. Assume that I am in Serbia, but that I do not want to talk to them", President Vucic added.

Preuzmite Newsmax Balkans aplikaciju:

Komentari (0)