Depardieu "happy Serbia does not follow EU"

Depardieu "happy Serbia does not follow EU"

Commenting on the crisis in Ukraine, Depardieu said it was "nothing new" and noted the tensions there dated back to the era of Catherine the Great - but added he believed President Vladimir Putin would resolve the situation peacefully.

The actor, however, also noted he was not competent to comment on the crisis: "I'm an artist and I am not invited to comment on it. The problem of Ukraine is nothing new, but I'm sure that Putin will resolve it."

Depardieu was addressing reporters after his meeting with Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić at the government headquarters in Belgrade.

The French actor said he came to Serbia because of culture, and asked for nothing except to "meet humane people."

"It's a great country - a small but great country when it comes to history and culture," said Depardieu. He added that he discussed wine with the Serbian prime minister, as they are both connoisseurs, and also "food, in which he is very interested." The star added that he received a gift basket from Vučić with Serbian wine and other products.

Vučić thanked Depardieu for coming to Serbia and said that while they were yet to agree on any kind of "concrete cooperation" he asked him to promote Serbia abroad.

"I am particularly happy that Mr. Depardieu showed great respect towards Serbia and Serbian history, and in a way towards Serbian politics," said Vučić.

Depardieu said was "very happy that, according to announcements by the prime minister, a number of important people from around the world would visit Serbia this year."

The actor will also tour several cultural institutions in Belgrade accompanied by Culture Minister Ivan Tasovac, and will be received by Belgrade Mayor Siniša Mali.

Depardieu two years ago renounced his French passport because of high taxes for the rich and moved to Belgium, and then in 2013 received an honorary Russian passport.

Last year he visited Montenegro, met with Prime Minister Milo Đukanović and received the title of ambassador of Montenegro's culture, and he also promotes the Russian republic of Mordovia.