Vucic: Serbia the only country in Paris that is neither an EU nor NATO member, nor part of the Coalition of the Willing

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in Paris, following the state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in honor of world leaders and heads of state and government attending tomorrow's Bastille Day military parade, that he had held numerous meetings and discussions with foreign officials. He emphasized that Serbia was the only invited country that is neither a member of the European Union, NATO, nor the Coalition of the Willing.

Vucic thanked President Macron for inviting Serbia to participate in the event.

"This is the official dinner marking France's National Day. Tomorrow there will be a major military parade featuring the European Union, NATO and the Coalition of the Willing. All NATO member states will have their representatives—some with 20 soldiers, others with 200, and I believe Ukraine will have even more. As far as I understand, we are the only country present here that is neither a member of the European Union, NATO, nor the Coalition of the Willing," Vucic said.

He noted that Norway, while not a member of the European Union, is a NATO member, whereas Austria is a member of the European Union but not of the military alliance.

"So we are the only country that received such an invitation, and that is an honor for our country. I am grateful to President Macron," Vucic said.

Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in honor of heads of state and government on the occasion of the National Day of the French Republic.

In a post on his Instagram account "buducnostsrbijeav," Vucic described France as one of Serbia's most important partners.

"I am confident that we will continue to build relations based on mutual trust, respect and shared interests. In these complex international circumstances, dialogue, cooperation and understanding remain the most important path to preserving peace, stability and prosperity," Vucic wrote.

He added that, ahead of France's National Day and Bastille Day celebrations—which symbolize the values of liberty, equality and solidarity—he had the opportunity in Paris to speak with numerous European and world leaders about the key challenges facing the international community.

"It is of crucial importance for our country to be present wherever the future of Europe and the world is being discussed and to consistently safeguard its national and state interests," Vucic stated.

The state dinner was held at the Élysée Palace, where President Vucic was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron.