Serbian Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin meets Russian President Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum
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Loading... - Alice Mosley
- 06 Sep 2024
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Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 4, reaffirming Serbia's strong alliance with Russia and its refusal to impose sanctions on Moscow or join NATO. Vulin emphasized that Serbia views itself as not only a strategic partner but also an ally of Russia, maintaining a firm stance despite Serbia's ongoing efforts to align more closely with the European Union.
During the meeting, Vulin, known for his pro-Russian views and previously sanctioned by the United States for alleged involvement in illegal activities, expressed gratitude for Russia's support of Serbia's territorial integrity, particularly regarding Kosovo. He highlighted Russia's veto of a 2015 British UN resolution on Srebrenica, which Vulin argued would have unfairly labeled Serbs as genocidal.
Vulin assured Putin that under President Aleksandar Vučić's leadership, Serbia would remain steadfast in its opposition to NATO membership, refrain from sanctioning Russia, and refuse to allow its territory to be used for actions against Russia. Despite these affirmations, Serbia continues to engage with Western nations, participating in military exercises and negotiating deals such as purchasing French Rafale fighter jets and selling its lithium reserves to Europe.
Vulin's comments underscore the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of Serbia's foreign policy, which seeks to balance longstanding ties with Russia with its aspirations for closer integration with the European Union. Serbia has condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine at the United Nations but continues to assert its right to an independent foreign policy, reflecting its unique position between East and West.
