Vucic: Serbia Will Stay Close to Russia, but Eyes EU Path

According to President Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia will not give up its friendship with Russia and China, but at the same time will fulfill the obligations arising from its efforts to join the European Union.

Vucic made these remarks at a rally of his supporters in Belgrade. "We are taking the European path. But we are not going to spoil our friendly relations, for example, with China or Russia. We do not leave our friends in trouble. We value these friendly ties", he declared.

Regarding the acceleration of Serbia's progress on the European path, he added that the country will fulfill its commitments.

Vucic had already said on Saturday that he plans to step down as head of state in the coming weeks to support the Serbian Progressive Party in the parliamentary elections. He announced on 21 May that the elections would be held in the fall, between late September and mid-October.

Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic also said that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party plans to nominate Vucic as its candidate for prime minister in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

(TASS, bak)