site.btaAt Meeting with Putin, Vucic Stresses Russian Gas Importance for Serbia

Cooperation with Russia at the highest level is of vital importance for Serbia, and especially with regard to Russian gas supplies, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Monday at the start of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, Tanjug reported. Both leaders are in the Chinese capital to attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II.

Vucic and Putin last met in Moscow in May during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, when their talks focused on energy, military-technical cooperation, bilateral relations, and healthcare. Serbian President thanked Putin for the opportunity to meet and for the hospitality extended during his visit. 

At the beginning of the meeting in Beijing, Vucic noted that Serbia has enhanced its energy cooperation with Russia thanks to the gas pipeline via Hungary and expects further progress with the construction of a new oil pipeline between Serbia and Hungary. “I hope we will not only maintain but improve certain aspects of our cooperation. Energy is a very important area for us, and gas supplies are crucial,” Vucic said. 

All Russian companies are welcome in Serbia, including those interested in participating in infrastructure projects, Vucic told Serbian media. 

Vucic acknowledged that Serbia is in a difficult position and has been under significant pressure since the start of the war in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that his country managed to maintain its principled position of not imposing sanctions on the Russian Federation. “Allow me to personally thank you for your respect and support in preserving Serbia’s territorial integrity, and for your friendly attitude towards the Serbian people,” Vucic added. 

Putin, for his part, said that the strategic partnership between Russia and Serbia is yielding positive results for both Moscow and Belgrade. “We are ready to work together. I hope we will be able to discuss economic cooperation in more detail,” he said. The Russian President also expressed respect for Serbia’s independent foreign policy orientation under Vucic’s leadership.

During the talks, Putin announced that another meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation between Serbia and Russia will be held by the end of 2025.

Vucic is in China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. During his visit, Vucic will meet with Xi and other senior Chinese officials, as well as representatives of major companies.

On September 3, Vucic will attend a large military parade marking 2025 China Victory Day, with leaders from 26 countries expected to attend.