On July 8 (local time), according to Xinhua, Serbia affirmed that it would not impose sanctions on Russia, despite the pressure and threats that the country is facing for its position.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 16th Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition in Yekaterinburg (Russia), Serbian Minister of International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic emphasized that the country's stance will not change.
Serbia does not impose sanctions on Russia and will never do so," Popovic affirmed.
According to the minister, this decision is maintained even though Serbia is under "very great pressure" from outside.
He said that these pressures, along with threats, sometimes also negatively impact the Serbian economy.
Despite facing great pressure and threats, Serbia will not change its position," he said.
Mr. Popovic believes that there are forces trying to break the traditional relationship between Serbia and Russia.
However, according to him, the Serbian people always consider Russia a "brother and friend".
The Serbian Minister emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is not something newly formed but has been built and maintained for centuries.
This is not today's story. That relationship has lasted for centuries," he said.
According to Mr. Popovic, Serbians and Russians are the two closest peoples in the world, so most Serbians believe that sanctions against Russia are unfair.
He also criticized the use of sanctions as a tool in international relations.
The minister reiterated that Serbia was once a country subject to sanctions in the past, so it should understand the consequences they cause.
We have been victims of sanctions and understand that they do not bring good things to anyone," he said.
According to Mr. Popovic, it is because of that experience that Serbia decided not to participate in sanctions against Russia.
He affirmed that this is not only a personal opinion but also a unified decision of the Serbian leadership.
That is the President's decision, the Government's decision and also Serbia's position," he said.
This stance once again shows that Belgrade continues to maintain close relations with Moscow, despite increasing pressure from the West regarding its policy towards Russia.
