Vučić: "In the past 12 years, we have dramatically improved cooperation with Switzerland"; "We preserve peace"

The two presidents held a tête-à-tête meeting, followed by a plenary session of the delegations of the Republic of Serbia and the Swiss Confederation.

Parmelin was previously given a ceremonial welcome in front of the Palace of Serbia, with the playing of the two countries’ national anthems and an honor guard of the Serbian Armed Forces.

“I am very happy to host the President of Switzerland after 18 years. Over the past 12 years, we have dramatically improved cooperation, and we have quadrupled the level of trade exchange. Switzerland is one of the largest investors in our country,” Vučić said.

He added that he discussed all political and economic issues with Parmelin.

“We particularly touched on one topic where we benefited thanks to the Swiss model. This refers to dual education. The President Parmelin is an example of that. We started very well, which is why our economy developed faster. Resistance started to grow because some painful measures are coming. It is obvious that, although I asked people in the government to fully accept the Swiss model, there was not enough courage to do so. I hope that in the future those who lead the government will have enough determination, but also enough rational understanding of things, to continue with it and take necessary steps, no matter how much someone may get upset in our rather weakened education system. We will be ready to continue learning from the Swiss and to try to copy the most successful model that Switzerland has given to the world,” Vučić said.

Vučić listed several world-renowned Swiss companies operating in Serbia, and emphasized that our people who live and work in Switzerland serve as a bridge connecting the two countries.

“I hope you will not be in a position to say that we were not good hosts. Thank you once again for your visit; I believe it will greatly contribute to the advancement of relations between the two countries,” Vučić said, addressing Parmelin.

Address by Parmelin

The Swiss president said he was delighted to be in Belgrade.

“Our main trading partner in the Balkans is Serbia. Today we are celebrating the anniversary of our relations. As for dual education, we are always at your disposal. I have proposed that your delegation visit Switzerland. I am personally a product of that system. We know that the Serbian economy is based on innovation, and we are glad that we have signed the agreement,” Parmelin said.

He added that he had the pleasure of confirming Switzerland’s participation in Expo.

Questions from journalists

After the official part of the address, the presidents answered journalists’ questions.

“The situation in the world is becoming more complicated by the day. The only thing I can promise is that we will preserve peace and stability. We are waiting for the right moment to best protect our financial interests. As for everything else, I am afraid it will become increasingly difficult. Even a powerful Switzerland saw, when the war in Ukraine broke out, that you cannot please everyone. Many are mostly angry with us, but that, I believe, speaks to the correctness of our policy and our position as an independent and sovereign country. We are on the European path, and I expect that laws will soon be submitted to parliament,” Vučić said.