World leaders congratulate Vučić after historic speech to UN General Assembly; "One of the bravest speeches"

There was significant interest from international media, with the speech also being broadcast by Chinese media and the Chinese news agency, as well as by Russian media. On that occasion, Vučić was asked what this specifically meant for Serbia’s geopolitical position and whether people were aware of it.

“I think people heard a disciplined speech. You know, like in figure skating, as Milka Babović used to say – there is the compulsory part and the artistic impression. Those of us who are older remember that. I have never been interested in the artistic impression or the artistic effect. I am interested in the compulsory part.

I stuck to Serbia’s policy – that of a free, freedom-loving and independent state, which is on the European path, but also a state that remembers well, knows what happened throughout history, cannot be deceived or lied to about it, and tells the truth to everyone’s face.

Was I eloquent, and did I deliver it charmingly? No. But did I deliver the compulsory part, the essence of Serbia’s policy? I did. That was my job, and I think it was successful,” he said.

Speaking about foreign policy, Vučić told reporters that Serbia must remain true to itself, free and independent, and in its foreign policy do everything that is in its own interest.

Sergey Guneev / Sputnik / Profimedia

“We must preserve our traditional friendships, but we must also build relations with those with whom we were in conflict 20 or 30 years ago. And by that I particularly mean the United States. Without that, we will have countless problems.

Just ask Marko what it looked like today. There was literally a coordinated push against our country from Pristina, Sarajevo and some other parts of the region, since he had a meeting with Kaja Kallas. For all of this, we need allies as well, or at least to have as few powerful adversaries as possible. That is what is important to us,” Vučić said.

Leaders congratulate Vučić after historic speech

Vučić also highlighted the fact that African presidents and prime ministers who had left the hall returned specifically to congratulate him on his speech. He said this was a huge success for him, and also revealed what an important European figure had told him.

“I received a message from a very important person who has held various positions in international forums for 20 years. He told me: ‘President, one of the bravest speeches.’

You saw that after the speech, I think around ten representatives of African countries came out to shake my hand. But this was said to me by a man from Europe – ‘one of the bravest speeches,’ but that is what people who tell the truth say,” Vučić said.

As a reminder, Vučić addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. During his stay in New York, he also held a number of bilateral meetings with world leaders and representatives of the international community.