Vucic: Slovakia a brotherly country, strategic cooperation discussed with Fico

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday his meeting with Slovak PM Robert Fico earlier in the day had addressed all strategic matters related to advancement of bilateral relations, as well as the geopolitical situations Serbia and Slovakia were in.

"Today, I have the exceptional honour of being able to speak with Robert Fico, one of the most significant and one of the greatest world leaders," Vucic said at a press conference with Fico.

He noted that he was entitled to say that as he knew how difficult it was to conduct an independent policy.

"Therefore, what I am saying, I am saying with an open heart and in the most sincere manner. I am exceptionally pleased we were able to discuss all strategic matters in Serbia-Slovakia bilateral relations. We discussed advancement of our economic cooperation and cooperation in various areas, as well as in energy, tourism and other areas," Vucic said.

He noted that they had also discussed all important issues and the geopolitical situation.

"What I can say is that we both believe peace in Ukraine is necessary to Russia as well because a part of the war conflict is now going on in Russian territory, too. Therefore, (we believe) that peace is something that is extremely important, as well as that some future decisions or decisions that have already been made merely escalate the war conflict further and bring no good to neither warring party or to any of us in Europe. Serbia will continue to pursue its policy on this issue in the manner determined by our country's National Security Council as early as two and a half years ago," Vucic said.