Vucic meets with Philip Morris International CEO in New York

NEW YORK - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Philip Morris International CEO Jacek Olczak in New York on Monday to discuss the company's operations in Serbia, as well as new investments, an environmental initiative and industry innovations.

"Last year, we marked 20 years since the privatisation of the Nis Tobacco Industry, when a MoU was also signed between the company and the Government of Serbia. For us, such foreign investments are decisive for development of the economy and business and further strengthen the position of our country as a major partner in innovation and modern technologies," Vucic wrote in a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account.

He said Philip Morris International was planning a new, 100 mln euro investment.

"I expressed gratitude for the trust they are demonstrating by investing in a time of global instability. It is a signal of trust and Serbia knows how to appreciate and respect that," Vucic added.

The meeting was also attended by Serbian FM Marko Djuric.

Later, Vucic will also speak with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and award a medal to the Russian permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya.

In the coming days, Vucic will award medals to all those who have helped Serbia regarding a UNGA resolution on Srebrenica.

Previously, Vucic also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Belgian PM Alexander De Croo and Kenyan President William Ruto and addressed the second plenary session of the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York.

Vucic, who will be in New York until September 27, will have bilateral meetings with more than 40 world leaders and address the 79th UN General Assembly session on Tuesday.