Serbia "respects Russia, but wants to join EU"

Serbia "respects Russia, but wants to join EU"

Tanjug reported that Vučić spoke for two high circulation tabloids, Germany's Bild and the Swiss Blick.

Asked whether this means that Serbia "will become a member of NATO," he said it was a "tricky issue" and noted that NATO bombed Serbia in 1999.

He added that Serbia has good relations with NATO and it remains to be seen "where that takes us."

Asked whether he believes that Ukraine will regain Crimea, Vučić said that Serbia from the beginning supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, which includes Crimea.

He also that "recognition of Kosovo is not on the agenda for Serbia" when it becomes an EU member.

"We are negotiating with Priština on improving relations. I'll tell you the same thing I said to Angela Merkel: I'm not very optimistic, seeing the obstacles that lie ahead. However, right now I believe we can solve our problems," Vučić, who was on a visit to Germany this week, said.

Vučić also spoke for the Belgrade daily Večernje Novosti on Friday to say that the visit went "unexpectedly well" and noted that Angela Merkel did not produce "new conditions for Serbia."

"Absolutely no condition I heard from Chancellor Merkel, nor were conditions discussed. The only thing that is expected from us is to work hard on economic reforms. From Germany we can only gain, and lose nothing," Vučić was quoted as saying.