Both the Serbian and Russian presidents received invitations to participate in World War II commemoration events hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has expressed his hope of holding a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visits China in early September. Both leaders are expected to attend commemorative events there, hosted by President Xi Jinping.
The ceremony on September 3 will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
“I will be in China from September 1 to 6. I was informed that Putin will likely be present, and that I might have an opportunity to meet with him,” Vucic stated on Sunday during a visit to the village of Banstol, as reported by the Serbian news agency Tanjug.
He further mentioned that he had been requested to stay in Beijing for an additional diplomatic assembly scheduled for later in the week.
“I’ve heard that (US President Donald) Trump might attend, though I’m not certain,” he remarked. “They informed me about a specific dinner on the 5th, and the 3rd is Xi Jinping’s event, where everyone will be present. I was told that several significant world leaders would be celebrating on the 5th in China, which is why they requested me to remain.”
Previously, in May, the Serbian president traveled to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations. This trip occurred despite a health concern that had compelled him to shorten a visit to the United States and cancel a scheduled meeting with Trump in Florida. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also joined him in Russia, disregarding pressure from Brussels.
During his visit, he met with Putin and reiterated Serbia’s dedication to ongoing energy cooperation with Russia.
Serbia continues to be among the limited number of European nations that have refrained from implementing sanctions against Russia or openly supporting Ukraine. Vucic has stated previously that the European Union persists in pressing Serbia to relinquish its neutrality and sever its connections with Moscow.