Vucic: We didn't impose countermeasures on the U.S., we want a solution

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, welcomed the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay the implementation of reciprocal tariffs for 90 days in an interview with Newsmax Balkans, conducted by journalists from that media outlet's offices in Belgrade, Sarajevo, and New York.

"We are very pleased with the postponement announced by President Trump. Now we have at least 90 days. When we heard about the decision that Trump had introduced tariffs of 37 percent, we began talks with our friends in the U.S. to see if those tariffs could be lifted," Vucic explained.

Vucic said that Serbia did not want to impose countermeasures but rather sought a resolution to the issue.

"This is a great relief for the entire world, especially in Europe—not just for us but for the EU as well. We are deeply grateful. I hope we can have discussions on this over the next three months. I believe we’ll be able to find at least a minimal common ground for everyone," he emphasized.

He reiterated that Serbia would not impose reciprocal tariffs.

"Immediately after the tariffs were announced, we contacted U.S. officials and requested a time and place to talk. But the whole world was requesting that, and our trade with the U.S., compared to others, is small. You can imagine the panic in Japan or Taiwan, or elsewhere," he added.

Vucic said he was advised to try regional cooperation on the issue.

He noted that a common denominator was found and regional connections were made, and that he also spoke to U.S. officials through private channels.

"We will try to reach an agreement and proceed without tariffs," he announced.

He emphasized that this is important for Serbia's economy, its factories, and foreign companies operating in Serbia.

He stated that Prvi Partizan has had stable contracts with U.S. partners over the past 12 years.

I'm not sure there will be a new postponement of sanctions on NIS, but we'll do everything to make it happen

When asked whether the U.S. would again postpone sanctions on NIS after April 28, Vucic said that, being a pessimist by nature, he isn’t confident but will do everything possible to make it happen.

"We are preparing for it, although you can never fully prepare. It's not simple—we are talking to our American and Russian friends, making efforts, and so far there have been no domestic consequences. We are working to ensure people don’t feel any impact, that there is energy security, enough oil and oil derivatives at gas stations, and that prices remain unaffected," Vucic emphasized.

He expressed confidence that oil prices would drop tomorrow—though not as expected—and reiterated his commitment to defending the interests of Serbian citizens regarding NIS sanctions.

Dayton Agreement brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina – Let there at least be peace

Speaking about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vucic warned that the Dayton Agreement brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina and must be respected to preserve that peace.

"I can’t entirely blame the international community, even though it bears part of the responsibility, but I wish there were more room for understanding rather than a desire to see the other side defeated," Vucic said.

He noted that in Sarajevo many would now say it's "an opportunity to get rid of Dodik and make the Serbs pay for Srebrenica," while in Banja Luka it is seen as "time to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina."

"The Western countries made huge mistakes regarding Kosovo, and they know it. Now they have a problem with the Kosovo precedent and don’t know what to do about it. They’ll now defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina even more strongly to avoid giving the Russians a chance to invoke another precedent… It wasn’t the Russians who opened Pandora’s box—it was opened in 1999 and 2008, and now it’s hard to close it," Vucic said.

He emphasized that Serbia is caught in both "buckets"—regarding Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska.

"I can’t and won’t accept that Dodik is to blame for everything. He’s not responsible for the property issue. Nowhere in the agreement does it say property belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina and not the entities. It’s not in the spirit either—but I won't discuss the spirit of the agreement, just the text. And they say they want a functional Bosnia and Herzegovina… The Dayton Agreement brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina. At least let there be peace," Vucic appealed, adding that he can't explain that to everyone—for example, the British, who he said are determined to get rid of Dodik.

When asked whether support for Dodik damages Serbia’s international reputation, Vucic responded by questioning when Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, or Emmanuel Macron last visited Sarajevo.

"My own reputation and that of Serbia is incomparably greater than those who criticize and accuse us of lacking reputation. My standing is such that I’ve been with Kosara, von der Leyen, Fico, Orbán, and I’ve spoken with Trump…," Vucic noted.

He reiterated the importance of adhering to the letter of Dayton, which Serbia has strictly followed from the beginning, unlike the politicians in Sarajevo.

"Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as of RS within Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the competencies and prerogatives of RS authorities. I interpret Dayton as it is written. I will do everything for peace between Serbs and Bosniaks. I won't interfere in Bosnia and Herzegovina's internal affairs, except in matters that concern us as a signatory to the Dayton Agreement," the president said, adding that he won’t accept anyone giving him moral lectures 30 years after Dayton.

Dodik's arrest must not happen

Asked how he would react to the arrest of Milorad Dodik, Vucic said it must not happen.

"That would be a catastrophe for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I'm doing everything to convince our Western partners that it would be a bad move, and I hope it won’t cross anyone’s mind," Vucic stated clearly.

He also noted that while Serbia supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity, some politicians in Sarajevo do not reciprocate in the case of Serbia—they receive Kosovo representatives without an asterisk during interstate visits and even brag about it, yet they expect respect from Belgrade.

He expressed hope that people would emerge in Sarajevo who understand that arresting Dodik is not good for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I wouldn't want any conflict and I’ll do everything to ensure it never happens. They’re not just after Dodik’s arrest—they want a conflict with the Serbian people," Vucic warned.

Speaking about his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Vucic said he did not expect his French counterpart to immediately confirm France's participation in Expo.

“We talked during the meeting, and he, along with his team, made the decision during the discussion. Ahead of such meetings, our teams always prepare, communicating about which topics each side will raise and what the desired outcomes are. Before the meeting, we raised the issue of Expo, and we were told it depends on Macron, and that the final decision was still unknown,” he said.

He emphasized that it is significant that France has confirmed participation, as it is, alongside Germany, a leader in Europe.

He pointed out that when people say Expo will cost 15 billion euros, or even 20, it doesn’t mean the exhibition itself costs that much, but rather everything encompassed by Expo—including roads, railways, hospitals, and science and technology parks that will be built.

“For us, Expo represents a transformation of Serbia’s image. We’ve succeeded if we manage to build all of that,” Vucic stressed.

Speaking about student protests, he said that the sixth demand had actually been set by Albin Kurti.

“A minister in the government of North Macedonia, who is Kurti’s friend, criticized me without any reason for visiting the victims of the nightclub fire in North Macedonia. First of all, it wasn’t a sterile hospital room, and we followed all medical instructions. That demand came directly from Kurti,” he added.

Asked about the results Serbia has achieved, Vucic said he is grateful for the opportunity to talk about them, as it’s difficult to discuss such matters in today's world.

According to him, very few people are willing to talk about results.

“Everything is based on emotions on social media. That witch hunt is still ongoing, like the one that happened with President Trump. Only a few media outlets and individuals pay attention to the actual results we've achieved,” he added.

He noted that there was a sincere conversation with the U.S. administration after Trump won the election and said he believes Serbian authorities will soon get a chance to meet with his closest associates and, within a month, raise certain issues and begin a strategic dialogue.

“On the other hand, we’ve achieved a great deal, especially when it comes to infrastructure development—we’ve built more highways and railways in the past 10 years than in the previous 60. In the end, we have results we can be proud of,” Vucic emphasized.

He stated that today’s Serbia can boast the highest salaries ever in both the public and private sectors, and that the number of science and technology parks has increased, laying a solid foundation for youth and the future.

Due to the protests, he added, the situation is a bit more difficult.

Although he expressed confidence that these problems would be resolved, he noted that Serbia had aimed to become the fastest-growing economy in Europe—but will now aim to be among the top three.