PUTIN: VUČIĆ PURSUES BALANCED POLICY; I HOPE HE WILL BE PRIME MINISTER

MOSCOW, OCTOBER 1 /SRNA/ – Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Aleksandar Vučić is pursuing a balanced policy and demonstrating a desire to cooperate with Russia, adding that he hopes Vučić will become Serbia’s prime minister.

At the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin stressed that Moscow greatly appreciates Belgrade’s position of refusing to impose anti-Russian sanctions. He also welcomed Serbia’s restrained position on a number of key and sensitive issues. "We certainly welcome this and will reciprocate in kind," Putin said. He noted that Russia’s position is well known and said he did not understand why the collective West has treated the Serb people unfairly and asymmetrically over the past several decades, Sputnik reported. Putin pointed out that the Serbs have been divided as a result of Western intrigues, which is unfair.