Prime minister: Serbia "not hiding" its policy

Prime minister: Serbia "not hiding" its policy

When asked what he expected from the upcoming visit to Russia, the prime minister said that he expected "a good and open discussion, in which Russians will present their topics for cooperation, but also some complaints."

He specified that the complaints could concern Serbia's debt for natural gas and added that it amounted to "a little less than EUR 300 million - which will be addressed together with the Russians."

"I will present our desire for good cooperation and probably some complaints," Vučić said.

Responding to the journalist's conclusion that "one of the topics during his visit to Moscow will certainly be the position of Serbia on Ukraine," Vučić said that Serbia "respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but does not impose sanctions on Russia."

He singled out as his "main impression from the meetings in Paris" the full support for the efforts being made "on the path of reforms," adding that "French companies are very interested in coming to our country in large numbers."

As for those projects that could be carried out most quickly, Vučić said he expected that Hutchinson, a tire manufacturer, "could come to Serbia."

"They are interested in employing 300 to 500 people. We also consider it important that Vinci and Alstom come. Those are the most powerful French companies. We are close to talks about calling tenders," he was quoted as saying.

Asked "how the French will help us about projects," Vučić said that "for us is important to avoid credit financing, which increases our public debt. The French Minister of Economy and Economic Recovery Arnaud Montebourg told us that the French are very much able to assist us."

Asked whether Belgrade will soon have "a metro," Vučić said this was another topic discussed in Paris, and explained that "a not entirely professional assessment" was previously made about "the best line, with 25 stations - and maybe we do not even need five stations on that line. "

"However, what is most important is the money. I think we're on the way to solve it. I talked with Alstom and they will very soon come to Belgrade, as well as Vinci and Bouygues," said Vučić.

The prime minister added that Serbia "must get ready for the preparatory conference for the flood victims, initiated by France, which will take place on July 8 in Paris."

On July 16 in Brussels, "the official part will be held, Serbia will there get the political support," he was quoted as saying.

"That is important so that it is known what befell Serbia," Vučić told the daily.