Latest news with #Vucic


The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Mohamed and Serbian President call for regional peace in Abu Dhabi talks
President Sheikh Mohamed and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday in which they stressed the need to restore regional stability as the Israel-Iran conflict extended to a sixth day. and Mr Vucic said dialogue and diplomacy were crucial to efforts to secure peace both in the region and beyond, during discussions held at Qasr Al Watan. Mr Vucic arrived in the Emirates on Tuesday night on an official visit aimed at advancing bilateral ties, state news agency Wam reported. The two leaders also focused on ways to further strengthen relations between the nations, which are underpinned by a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that came into force last month. The UAE is Serbia's leading trading partner in the Gulf, accounting for about 55 per cent of its total trade with the region in 2023, according to government data. The two sides spoke of opportunities to bolster links in areas such as the economy, investment, renewable energy and food security. Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Vucic concluded talks with a pledge to develop the growing UAE-Serbia alliance and build sustainable economic partnerships. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the President; Ali Al Shamsi, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Ahmed Al Menhali, UAE Ambassador to Serbia; and Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Eagle Hills, along with the delegation accompanying Mr Vucic.

Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Won't Betray Russia': Vucic Defends Neutral Stance, Rejects Arms Supply To Ukraine
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has firmly rejected accusations that his recent visit to Ukraine marked a betrayal of Serbia's longstanding friendship with Russia. During the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odessa, Vucic met with President Zelensky but refused to sign the final declaration condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine's NATO bid. He emphasized Serbia's commitment to neutrality and independent diplomacy, noting that he was the only leader at the summit to withhold endorsement. #aleksandarvucic #SerbiaRussia #UkraineSummit #geopolitics #SerbiaNeutral #ukraineconflict #ZelenskyVucic #BalkanDiplomacy Read More
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vucic offers to help rebuild Ukrainian cities, reaffirms support for Ukraine's territorial integrity
During his visit to Ukraine on June 11, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said his country is ready to help rebuild one or two Ukrainian cities or regions. The one-day trip marked the Moscow-friendly Serbian leader's first official visit to Ukraine and a significant moment in his efforts to maintain a neutral stance in Russia's war against Ukraine while also advancing Serbia's EU accession aspirations. Speaking at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, Vucic said Serbia wants to go beyond political declarations and provide practical assistance to Ukraine. "I would like to take one or two cities or regions that we could rebuild. I think that would be very clear and noticeable to the Ukrainian people," he said. "We are ready to listen to you and see how we can help you." Vucic also reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to international law and the UN Charter, saying that this includes supporting the territorial integrity of states — a message the president described as important for Kyiv. "Ukraine can always count on Serbia's humanitarian and political support for its territorial integrity," he said. "We could be supportive in efforts to achieve a ceasefire." Vucic was one of the few European leaders to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9 — a move that drew criticism from EU officials. Serbian president also told reporters that he did not sign the declaration of the Odesa summit, adding that by doing so, he "did not betray Russia." Tensions between Belgrade and Moscow have risen in recent months after Russia's intelligence services accused Serbian defense firms on May 29 of indirectly supplying weapons to Ukraine. Vucic has denied those claims. Read also: Zelensky urges 'stronger' EU sanctions on Russia, lower oil price cap We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Serbia's Moscow-friendly president visits Ukraine but refuses to sign 'anti-Russian' declaration
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia's Russia-friendly leader made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Wednesday for a summit on strengthening European support for Kyiv's fight against Russian aggression, but he refused to sign a joint declaration calling for tougher sanctions against Moscow. It was President Aleksandar Vucic's first visit to Ukraine since taking office over a decade ago. He attended the summit between Ukraine and 12 Southeast European states in Odesa. While saying he wants Serbia to join the European Union, Vucic has maintained close relations with Russia. He defied EU warnings and attended Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9. EU officials said it was inappropriate for Vucic to stand side by side with President Vladimir Putin, considering Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Vucic told Serbian media on Wednesday that the signing of the 'anti-Russian' declaration wasn't 'easy and simple for us," and he abstained, noting its mention of sanctions as one reason. 'But I would like to once again express my full gratitude to President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy for the exceptional hospitality here in Odessa," Vucic added. Serbia, which relies almost fully on Russia for its energy supplies, has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though it officially supports Ukraine's territorial integrity. Vucic's visit to Ukraine comes weeks after Russia accused Serbia of exporting arms to Ukraine, calling it a stab in the back by its longtime Balkan ally. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that the exports were going through NATO intermediaries, 'primarily the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria. Recently, exotic options involving African states have also been used for this purpose.' Serbia has neither admitted nor denied reports that it has been providing ammunition to Ukraine, but it has promised Russia it would open an official investigation into the matter.


Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Serbia's Moscow-friendly president visits Ukraine but refuses to sign ‘anti-Russian' declaration
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia's Russia-friendly leader made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Wednesday for a summit on strengthening European support for Kyiv's fight against Russian aggression, but he refused to sign a joint declaration calling for tougher sanctions against Moscow. It was President Aleksandar Vucic's first visit to Ukraine since taking office over a decade ago. He attended the summit between Ukraine and 12 Southeast European states in Odesa. While saying he wants Serbia to join the European Union, Vucic has maintained close relations with Russia. He defied EU warnings and attended Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9. EU officials said it was inappropriate for Vucic to stand side by side with President Vladimir Putin, considering Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Vucic told Serbian media on Wednesday that the signing of the 'anti-Russian' declaration wasn't 'easy and simple for us,' and he abstained, noting its mention of sanctions as one reason. 'But I would like to once again express my full gratitude to President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy for the exceptional hospitality here in Odessa,' Vucic added. Serbia, which relies almost fully on Russia for its energy supplies, has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though it officially supports Ukraine's territorial integrity. Vucic's visit to Ukraine comes weeks after Russia accused Serbia of exporting arms to Ukraine, calling it a stab in the back by its longtime Balkan ally. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that the exports were going through NATO intermediaries, 'primarily the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria. Recently, exotic options involving African states have also been used for this purpose.' Serbia has neither admitted nor denied reports that it has been providing ammunition to Ukraine, but it has promised Russia it would open an official investigation into the matter. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .