Vucic Says Arranges Low Price of Natural Gas with Putin, Informs Him of Decision to Resign

Aleksandar Vucic, Vladimir Putin (Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in a press release on Sept. 26 that he arranged low natural gas prices after a one-hour telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that he informed Putin that he will step down as president on Sept. 27.

"We also discussed the issue of the energy problems we are facing -- first of all the annex to our gas deal contract expires in a few days, and I am certain that as early as Sept. 28 the annex will be extended and we will still be able to have good, low gas prices, i.e. about EUR318 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas. On today's market 1,000 cubic meters costs  EUR868 per 1,000 cubic meters," Vucic wrote in an Instagram post.

He said this means that "Serbia has a good price, good flexibility and good amounts." "We also discussed the Naftna Industrija Srbije (oil industry), where the problem is more complicated, but we certainly exchanged opinions on the issue," Vucic said, adding that he "thanked Russia and Putin for their cooperation over the last 14 years" on his own and Serbia's behalf, and informed him of his decision to step down.

"I believe it was an important talk for the future of Serbia and I am sure that Serbia's future presidents will be able to tend to Serbia's interests and maintain that balance and that kind of responsibility toward all important actors in international politics," Vucic said.