Serbia's Vucic backs Ukraine's EU membership on 2nd day of summit with Zelensky
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Serbian President Alexander Vucic on Aug. 8 backed Ukraine's bid for EU membership on the second day of President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the country.
"We want Ukraine to open all clusters as soon as possible, to close them as soon as possible. We have already said that this is the wish of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian leadership, and as far as we are concerned, we have not had or will not have any problem with that in the future," Vucic said.
"On the contrary, we will do everything we can to help Ukraine on the European path," he added.
Zelensky first arrived in Belgrade on Aug. 7 in what is seen as a symbolic visit, as Serbia has traditionally maintained close relations with Moscow.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions, including mutual respect for territorial integrity, humanitarian aid, and bilateral cooperation, Zelensky said.
"The parties discussed measures that could strengthen infrastructure, ports, and railways, as well as the economies and security of both countries overall. In particular, Serbia is interested in Ukraine's experience in developing railway infrastructure to improve its transport network. The leaders discussed specific projects that could be implemented jointly, as well as cooperation in the area of food security.
At the meeting, Ukraine's State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection and Serbia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of both leaders.
"The document provides for cooperation to control, prevent, and eradicate animal diseases, as well as to protect national territories from the cross-border introduction of such infectious diseases," the Presidential Office said.
Vucic also invited Zelensky to return to Serbia to attend the opening of a drone factory Belgrade built in cooperation with Israel.
"Ukrainians are very successful and have many of their own drone factories. We will invite you to the opening," Vucic said.
