Serbian President Vučić Highlights Shift in US-Serbia Relations Under Trump

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has highlighted a significant change in the relationship between Serbia and the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency. He noted this transformation has altered public perceptions in Serbia, where the memory of the 1999 NATO bombing is still present.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Vučić praised Trump’s approach to the Balkans, emphasizing economic cooperation over political pressure. He stated, “President Trump and his team have worked very diligently on the Western Balkans,” and noted that Serbs view his administration differently from past US governments. Vučić claimed that if asked to compare Trump’s administration with Clinton’s, the preference would be overwhelmingly in Trump’s favor.

“If you ask people in Serbia to compare Clinton and Trump’s administrations, you wouldn’t believe it. It would be 90 to 10 or 95 to 5,” Vučić said.

Many Serbs still associate the US with NATO’s 1999 bombing campaign during the Kosovo conflict. This historical memory makes the current comparison noteworthy. Vučić has invited Trump to visit Serbia, predicting a warm reception from the populace. He expressed hope for hosting Trump, saying many people would come to greet him.

The relationship between Washington and Belgrade has increasingly focused on economics, mutual conservative values, and technological cooperation. Vučić mentioned a strategic dialogue in preparation, targeting energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, defense cooperation, and investment opportunities. This includes discussions on liquefied natural gas cooperation, data centers, and advanced computing technologies.

As Serbia aims to become a regional economic hub and possibly join the European Union, Vučić pointed to Expo 2027 preparations in Belgrade as proof of Serbia’s growing international profile. He highlighted Serbia’s economic growth during his tenure. “Our GDP was 32 billion euros when I became prime minister,” he stated, “This year, it’s expected to exceed 100 billion euros, equivalent to approximately $120 billion.”

Vučić’s connection with Trump dates back to Trump’s first term, when the White House facilitated economic normalization agreements between Serbia and Kosovo. These agreements prioritized infrastructure projects and investments over the political status of Kosovo. In September 2020, Vučić and Kosovo’s then-Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti signed US-brokered economic agreements at the White House, aiming to enhance rail and highway connections and foster investment. Trump described these efforts as fostering “job creation and economic growth” instead of political disputes.

Addressing the matter of recognizing Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, Vučić stressed the importance of economic cooperation and improved relations before political discussions. He stated he remained open to talks and compromising solutions but would not discuss recognizing Kosovo’s independence.

While pursuing EU membership, Serbia has balanced its relationships with Russia and China. Vučić rejected the idea that countries must choose between geopolitical alignments. He cited Trump’s and his own diplomatic engagements with China as pragmatic diplomacy aimed at national benefits.

Regarding current conflicts, Vučić advocated for sustained negotiations to resolve tensions, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. He expressed Serbia’s strong support for Israel, a stance distinguishing Belgrade from some European governments, and cautioned about the rise of antisemitism globally.

“It does not happen in Serbia, and it won’t happen as long as I’m the president,” Vučić pledged.