Thewesternbalkans.
According to TASS, the Agency became the first foreign media to which the new Prime Minister of Serbia, Djuro Mazut gave an interview in his new capacity. He spoke about attempts by the West to overthrow the country’s leadership, assessed the prospects of new energy projects with Moscow, and said a decisive ‘no’ to arms supplies to Ukraine.
Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Mazut insisted during the interview that:
- Serbia continues its path towards EU membership; however, Belgrade consistently advocate for the necessity of deepening cooperation with all traditional partners and friends. BRICS countries are major players on the world stage, and developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with them is of strategic interest to Serbia.
- First foreign visit in Egypt. For Serbia, it is important to confirm, in collaboration with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the commitment to the course embodied by the Non-Aligned Movement — especially since it reflects the ideas of humanism, justice, equality, and solidarity among peoples. Both Serbia and Egypt adhere to this kind of foreign policy — independent, sovereign, and focused solely on the well-being of their citizens. Belgrade highly appreciate Egypt’s position on issues of protecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and cultural and religious heritage of Serbia and the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. Furthermore, there is significant potential for further expansion of economic and trade cooperation between two countries.
- In recent months, attempts have been made in Serbia to organize a colour revolution and the violent overthrow of the legitimately elected authorities, primarily President Aleksandar Vučić. These events were backed by intelligence services from several Western countries. Thanks to the timely detection of these plans, the professional work of Serbian special services and police, as well as the consolidation within the ruling coalition, these intentions were thwarted. Nevertheless, significant damage was inflicted on the Serbian economy. The Government will continue to work on overcoming the consequences of these events, but as long as Serbia pursues an independent political course, such attempts will unfortunately not cease.
- Serbia is a country with deeply rooted traditions, culture, and spirituality, where family values hold a central place. It is the family that forms the foundation of Serbian society. In the context of globalization and rapid changes, Serbia strives to preserve its core values as the foundation of public life and a source of national consciousness. Serbians cannot accept what contradicts their traditional and Christian beliefs.
- Serbia and Russia are, first and foremost, countries connected by centuries-old friendship and strategic partnership, and Serbs and Russians are brotherly nations that no one will be able to separate. Following President Aleksandar Vučić’s proposal, a decision was made that any export of weapons and military equipment produced in Serbian factories will henceforth be possible only with the approval of the relevant ministries, agencies, and the National Security Council. The National Security Council is an organ similar to the Security Council of the Russian Federation. “And I must emphasize: as long as I am a member of this council, I will not support the sale of weapons to Ukraine” Prime Minister said.
- Peace and stability. The Republic of Serbia has a unified position on this matter. President Aleksandar Vučić was the only one who did not sign the anti-Russian declaration at the ‘Ukraine – Southeast Europe’ summit in Odessa. Similarly, Prime Minister leading the Serbian delegation at the Southeast European Cooperation Process summit in Tirana, opposed such a declaration because for Serbia, peace and stability have no alternative.
- The Russian Federation remains Serbian key and strategic partner – especially in the energy sector. Russia continues to play a crucial role in the supply of energy resources to Serbia, and it is extremely important for Belgrade to have reliable and uninterrupted supplies of oil and petroleum products.
- “As long as I am prime minister, the government of Serbia will not join the sanctions against Russia” concluded Prime Minister Mazut.
Comments: President Aleksandar Vučić has clearly and very well instructed the new Serbian Prime Minister for his interview with TASS. He answered the questions exactly what is expected to be heard in Moscow. With this, Belgrade is signalling its intention to continue its balance between East and West and to pursue its national interests in both directions. This has been going on for more than 90 years and quite successfully.
