Zelenskyy to make first official visit to Serbia: Date announced
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his first visit to Serbia, where he is set to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, according to a statement from the Serbian president's office, RTS reports.
Zelenskyy to meet with Vučić
Vučić is set to host his Ukrainian counterpart on Saturday, August 8.
The visit will mark Zelenskyy's first official trip to Belgrade since taking office as Ukraine's president. The two leaders have previously met on several occasions at international forums and summits abroad.
What they will discuss
Vučić said the talks with Zelenskyy will focus on several key issues, including:
- Ukraine's and Serbia's paths toward EU membership,
- Bilateral economic cooperation,
- Energy cooperation.
"I believe we will discuss how and in what ways we can help each other on this issue (EU integration, ed.) and, if possible, learn something from one another," Vučić said.
Vučić also stressed that, beyond these key issues, all other topics would be open for discussion.
"That also includes our cooperation in culture, sports, and everything else," the president added.
Sanctions against Russia
Asked whether Zelenskyy's visit meant Serbia was preparing to join sanctions against Russia, Vučić said Serbia's position remained unchanged.
He said Serbia had defined its policy nearly five years ago and that it had not changed since then and would remain the same for the foreseeable future.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Vučić's first visit to Kyiv in more than a decade ended with a pledge to support Ukraine, but without backing new measures against Russia.
RBC-Ukraine also previously reported that in May, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, visited Serbia.
