Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an economic forum in Vladivostok on September 4. Notably, the meeting took place just days after Belgrade signed a multi-billion-euro deal to buy Rafale fighter jets from France.
While Russia is a traditional ally and main arms supplier to the Balkan country, Vulin said the deal was motivated by “military and practical reasons” and would not harm relations between Belgrade and Moscow.
In an interview with Russian media on September 15, Deputy Prime Minister Vulin praised President Putin's "tactfulness." Mr. Vulin said that by not raising the issue of Serbia's purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France during the meeting in Vladivostok, Mr. Putin showed respect for Serbia and once again proved that he is "a friend" of Serbia.
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, September 4, 2024. Photo: Kremlin.ru
"President Putin is one of the greatest leaders in the world. He has a deep understanding of the topics he is talking about and of his relations. I am very impressed by his knowledge of Serbia and the region," Vulin told Vecernje Novosti newspaper.
"He did not mention the Rafale deal, but spoke about trade, a gas deal and Russia's support for all Serbian efforts. President Putin is a sincere friend of Serbia, who understands us. And I can say that he loves us very much," said Mr. Vulin.
"Mr Putin has never reproached Serbia because he respects our needs and decisions. He is a great leader and a great friend. That is why Serbs love him," the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister said, commenting on his meeting with the Russian leader on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Earlier, Mr. Vulin told TASS news agency that the contract to buy Rafale fighter jets from France will not worsen relations between Serbia and Russia. He said that Russia's reaction to the deal confirmed its respectful attitude towards Serbia.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on August 29 that his country would buy 12 Rafale jets for €2.7 billion. The contract includes not only the delivery of the aircraft but also a full package of related services. The longtime leader of the Balkan nation said the deal would significantly increase the capabilities of the Serbian military.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision to buy jets from France was a free choice of "our Serbian friends." Peskov asserted that each country has "economic and other considerations when making such decisions."
Mr Vulin, known as one of the most Moscow-friendly members of the Serbian government, was sanctioned by the US in 2023 over corruption allegations during his time as head of Serbia's intelligence agency. Mr Vulin resigned in November last year, reportedly under pressure from the West, and was appointed Serbia's deputy prime minister in May this year.
Minh Duc (According to TASS, Moscow Times)
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/pho-thu-tuong-serbia-noi-ve-su-tinh-te-cua-ong-putin-204240917101806164.htm
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