Foreign Minister: No EU Sanctions over Vucic’s Visit to Moscow

Marko Djuric ( mfa.gov.rs)

Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said on May 10 that Serbian diplomacy had demonstrated “consistency” over the past few days, and that President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Moscow would not result in “a halt of EU integration or sanctions by Brussels.”

Speaking in an interview with the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS), Djuric said that President of the European Council Antonio Costa and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas were expected to visit Belgrade in the coming days, and that he expected the strengthening of ties with Brussels, which, as he said, “Will not come at the expense of Serbia’s balanced foreign policy.”

“There will be no disruption in Serbia’s EU accession, nor sanctions. What will be clear soon is that Serbia can only expect continued progress,” Djuric explained. In a comment on Vucic’s visit to Moscow, the Serbian foreign minister noted that it was significant to strengthening Serbia’s foreign policy position regarding Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the country’s economic development.

“We know that Serbia is one of the key entry points for exports to China… and that 85 percent of our gas supply comes through contracts with the Russian side, and to extend them is of strategic importance to Serbia. This visit will strengthen Serbia’s economic and political potential, but at the same time, you could also hear a clear message from the president during these meetings that Serbia remains on its European path,” Djuric said.