Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Thursday he hopes Serbia will secure favourable terms for future deliveries of Russian gas, following talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
Vučić told reporters in Moscow that he and Putin discussed a new long-term gas supply agreement, which would replace the current deal due to expire on May 31. Russian gas accounts for about 85% of Serbia’s consumption.
“We have launched negotiations today. I hope we can secure very good and favourable terms,” Vučić said. “That was my request. I didn’t receive a firm promise from President Putin, but I believe it will happen, based on our personal relationship and past cooperation.”
He acknowledged the process would not be easy but expressed confidence a deal could be concluded “in the coming weeks.” He added that even if an agreement is not reached by the end of May, Serbia is likely to maintain current terms temporarily.
Vučić said his meeting with Putin and Russian officials was “long, open, substantive and sincere,” covering a range of topics, including efforts to ensure the continued functioning of Serbia’s oil company NIS, which is under U.S. sanctions due to Russian ownership.
He also said the two leaders discussed Serbia’s stance on Kosovo, Western pressure to impose sanctions on Russia, energy cooperation with Rosatom, military-technical ties, and joint projects in healthcare.
Vučić noted that both he and Chinese President Xi Jinping – whom he met earlier in the day – spoke of “major global changes” and a need for a “fairer world order.”
He said he appreciated the attention and respect shown to the Serbian delegation during the visit, and underlined the importance of preserving historical memory of those who fought against Nazi occupation during World War Two.
