Vucic: Strategic dialogue won't solve Kosovo issue, but signifies improving relations

Today, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic conveyed that the strategic dialogue between Serbia and the USA will not resolve all issues, especially those related to Kosovo, but it indicates an improvement in the two countries' relations. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, stated that the U.S. sanctions on NIS are aimed at Russia, not Serbia.

"The strategic dialogue is not something that will solve the problems, especially concerning Kosovo and Metohija, but it opens significant opportunities for future governments in Serbia and administrations in the U.S. We are a small country to them, but I believe their first-ever interest in a strategic dialogue with Serbia signifies our relations have improved," said Vucic during a joint address with the American official, Richard Verma.

Vucic expressed gratitude to Verma for his visit and mentioned they discussed a wide range of issues, including sanctions targeted at Russian entities globally, and naturally, in Serbia.

"We were not the target of the sanctions against NIS, although that will be small consolation," added Vucic.

The meeting covered overall Serbian-American relations, and President Vucic thanked everyone from the outgoing U.S. administration who was always available for the Serbian side.

"Thank you to Jim O'Brien, who greatly assisted with the 'Open Balkan'. Thank you for always being available to discuss and solve problems, of which there were many. We managed to preserve peace and stability in the region. A special thanks to Ambassador Christopher Hill," Vucic continued.

He noted that they highlighted six very important spheres in all discussions.

"From interpersonal connections, support for expanding cultural, educational, professional exchanges, regional initiatives, trade, investments, bilateral cooperation, good governance, rule of law, to energy...," Vucic stated.

He reminded that Serbia and the U.S. signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Energy in September, adding that the planning and technical documentation for one gigawatt of solar panels is underway.

The Serbian President also spoke about peace and stability.

"In our region, and more broadly, we have been accused in many places in the West of planning to start a war in the Balkans on someone's order, as if just waiting for the day Serbia would start this war. This will not happen. Although we have denied such foolishness from the first moment, it was not worth it," said Vucic.

He stated that Serbia is interested in economic progress, as the goal of becoming the fastest-growing economy in Europe this year is unwavering.

Speaking again about the sanctions on NIS, as part of broader sanctions against all entities linked with Russian interests and capital, Vucic concluded that the sanctions against NIS would not significantly affect Moscow.

He highlighted that the Serbian side had five concrete questions for their U.S. partners, and decisions are expected in the coming days.

"We must continue discussions with the Americans for at least another seven to 10 days to understand the exact content of the entire sanctions package, so we can discuss with the Russians what we need to do. There are some uncertainties. I have requested more flexible deadlines. If we must pay the price, we will, but to seize something, by no means," reiterated Vucic.

He also announced that Serbia received more bad news from Azerbaijan today – the country can no longer count on the 1.7 million cubic meters of gas it received daily.

This, he added, means that Serbia will now begin to use its domestic reserves much more seriously and substantially from today.

Verma: Sanctions aimed at Russia, not Serbia

Verma noted that U.S. sanctions on Russian companies are targeted at Russia, not Serbia.

"We discussed sanctions against companies. They are targeted at Russia, not Serbia. NIS is one of the 2,000 companies affected by the sanctions aimed at removing Russian ownership. There will be no consequences for Serbia if Russian ownership is removed," Verma emphasized.

He stated that it is evident that Russia is not investing in the future, as profits from NIS have not been reinvested.

Removing Russian capital, he says, will contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Verma mentioned that his visit to Serbia was due to a partnership that covers many topics.

"We recognize Serbia as a significant leader in the region. We discussed establishing strategic dialogue, which will elevate our relations to a higher level. This provides a structured format for our governments to focus on key areas of cooperation such as defense, energy, and human rights respect. This dialogue signifies the importance we place on relations with Serbia, which are based on mutual respect and a commitment to building a better future. It will contribute to deepening economic ties," he highlighted.

Verma said that sometimes partners do not agree on everything, and strategic dialogue will provide structure and a channel to resolve issues.

He thanked Serbia for the humanitarian aid it provides to Ukraine and underscored that the U.S. remains committed to supporting Serbia on its path to the EU.

"I am very optimistic about the direction and future of our relations," said Verma.

"Regarding strategic dialogue, this has been under consideration for some time. The issues the president spoke about are all important from defense, energy, to regional security. I like to focus on direct human relations. We can discuss many topics. The strategic dialogue will be very significant," Verma explained in response to journalists' questions.

He added that the U.S. understands how complex and challenging the implementation of sanctions is.

He reiterated that the goal of the sanctions is to counter Russian aggression, and they are not directed against Russia and the Serbian people.

"We will discuss with partners so that the sanctions do not harm the Serbian economy. I believe that the fact that NIS is the most profitable company in Serbia, but its profits go to Russia and finance a brutal war in Ukraine. Sanctions are a challenge, but we will closely cooperate. We have an excellent team working on this," Verma stated.

Vucic then said that Serbia has no evidence that Russia finances any war with NIS money, nor does he think it is possible knowing how laws function in the country.

"It is important for us, if we agree that it is necessary to buy no matter how much, where we pay that money. Because we will not seize anything. We posed that question today in a fair way. As things stand, we would pay the money into a blocked account, which is not fair to the Russians and us who want to be fair. We expect an answer to these questions so that we can approach the Russian side. I don't know what to ask for, what to say. I believe that we will resolve this in the next seven days," he emphasized.

He stated that a working group led by Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has been established, which will discuss daily with American partners.

"After that, we go before the Russians. I cannot in an equation where I have three unknowns out of four say the exact values of those three. We remain to work with the Americans on this issue. That is why I will ask and believe they will accommodate us to shift the deadlines a bit," said Vucic.

"I know it is popular in many European countries to 'seize from the Russians,' I cannot support that. I understand everything in the world, and I act very rationally, seize and summary courts, that I cannot. I cannot seize, I want to pay. If we have to pay, we will pay, just to see where, to whom, and how. We have the money without borrowing," he stated.

The meeting between Vucic and Verma was also attended by Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, ministers Marko Djuric, Sinisa Mali, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, as well as Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Alexander Kasanof, and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill.

The occasion for the American official's visit is the Agreement on Strategic Dialogue between Serbia and the U.S., but it is certain that one of the topics of the meeting was also the sanctions imposed on NIS, which seek a complete exit of Russian ownership from the oil company.