EGN NEWS DESK
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has hailed ties with Serbia, historically seen as considered one of Europe’s extra Russian-leaning states, on a go to to Belgrade. He was accompanied on the journey by Olena Zelenska, spouse of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In March 2022, Kyiv’s Serbian embassy closed with the United States and the United Kingdom accusing Serbian companies of helping Russia in circumventing sanctions.
Following Monday’s assembly between Foreign Minister Kuleba and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the embassy is ready to be reopened.
“We are grateful to the Serbian president for agreeing to carry a Ukrainian-Serbian enterprise discussion board within the close to future, in addition to to renew the work of the Serbian embassy in Ukraine for the primary time since March 2022,” Kuleba stated in a put up on X.
Kuleba additionally stated he and Vucic mentioned quite a lot of bilateral points constructing on “productive dialogue” Vucic has beforehand had with Zelensky.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has aided the war-torn nation by sheltering Ukrainians and donating humanitarian assist.
In an announcement throughout her go to to the nation to take part in a psychological well being convention, First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed gratitude to Serbia for its contribution.
“I’m grateful to Serbia for understanding that folks matter most,” added Zelenska, who visited the nation to participate in a psychological well being convention.
Traditionally considered one of Moscow’s closest allies in Europe, Belgrade has lengthy tried to stroll a tightrope between its historic ties to Russia and a possible way forward for nearer European integration.
Serbia’s contribution to Ukraine assist could be seen as a part of its dedication to becoming a member of the European Union, however its relationship with the bloc is strained refusing to take part in EU sanctions rounds in opposition to Russia.
“Serbia is deeply dedicated to changing into a member of the European Union and has voted for the United Nations decision condemning Russian actions in Ukraine and has upheld its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and repeatedly despatched numerous forms of assist,” Serbia’s ambassador to the United States stated in an announcement to CNN final 12 months.
