Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed satisfaction after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, saying he believed the discussions would yield positive results for Serbia.
“We discussed a range of issues, including Serbia’s European future. I believe you will receive a statement from Macron regarding Expo, and I have requested France’s participation, which I think will receive a positive response in a formal sense. We also talked about all geopolitical matters,” Vučić said after the meeting.
Vučić added that the leaders spoke about bilateral cooperation, including Serbia’s purchase of a supercomputer from Atos and the upcoming payment for the second installment of €411 million for Rafale fighter jets.
“We also discussed additional investments by French companies in Serbia, as well as how to address U.S. tariffs to prevent them from impacting Michelin’s factory and others in our country. We confirmed our good relations and outlined what needs to be done in the coming period,” the Serbian president said.
He noted that they acknowledged the entry into a period of instability and uncertainty, which he said is likely to persist.
“We all need to prepare for this. It is good that we have a strong ally like France. France will continue to work on easing tensions in Ukraine. We also talked about relations in the Western Balkans. I presented my initiatives related to the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as other issues,” Vučić said.
He also spoke about the situation in Serbia, describing how the country had endured four months of “terror” in a peaceful and democratic manner.
“The global situation is becoming more difficult, but I believe that with the support, cooperation, and alliance of our friends, we will be able to change a lot,” he added.
Vučić mentioned discussions on Kosovo, acknowledging differences between Serbia and France on the issue.
“We don’t completely agree, as is clear from the fact that they recognized Kosovo, and we have not. However, we are getting closer in our views. I am very grateful to Macron for his understanding of the situation and for delving deeply into the matter. He spoke with me for two hours. I thank him greatly, and that shows Serbia’s position, which should make the Serbian people proud, as they deserve it,” Vučić said.
The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was noted as the most difficult topic discussed. Vučić stressed that it was not easy to lead a country, especially with those who believe they have the right to say whatever they want, no matter how unreasonable. He also mentioned his long-standing friendship with Macron.
“I have met with him 28 times. We are friends. I brought him six bottles of wine that I chose myself. I bought him special Prokupac glasses for our native wine variety to show that we Serbs have good wines. He brought me wines that he knows I respect and enjoy. When you speak with someone 30 times and stay up until three, four, or five in the morning, you develop a strong relationship. We know we must respect each other, and they respect me because I speak the truth, I don’t shy away from difficult topics, and I don’t say what is mainstream in the EU,” Vučić explained.
Vučić emphasized that the situation in BiH was the most challenging topic during the meeting and he worked to find a compromise solution.
“I cannot accept that arresting Dodik is the only solution, so I presented some of my ideas to Emmanuel Macron that I cannot discuss publicly,” he concluded.
