Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić highlights the transformation of U.S.-Serbia relations under Donald Trump, emphasizing economic cooperation and inviting Trump to visit Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has expressed that relations between Serbia and the United States have undergone a significant transformation during Donald Trump’s presidency. This shift, he asserts, has positively influenced public perceptions in Serbia, a country still grappling with the memories of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Vučić praised Trump’s approach to the Balkans, noting that the administration’s emphasis on economic cooperation rather than political pressure has resonated with many Serbs. “President Trump and his team so far were working very diligently and dedicatedly on the Western Balkans,” Vučić stated. He added that many Serbs view Trump’s administration in a markedly different light compared to previous U.S. governments. “If you ask people in Serbia just to make a comparison between Clinton and Trump’s administration, or Democrats to Republicans, you wouldn’t believe it,” he remarked. “It would be 90 to 10 or 95 to 5.”
This stark contrast is particularly notable in Serbia, where the legacy of the NATO bombing campaign during the Kosovo conflict still looms large. Vučić recently extended an invitation to Trump to visit Serbia, predicting that the American president would receive a warm welcome. “I hope that we’ll be able to host him,” Vučić said. “More people will be ready to greet him and wait for him than he might even expect… I dare to say even more than hundreds of thousands of people.”
The improving relationship between Washington and Belgrade is increasingly focused on economic ties, investment, and shared conservative values. Vučić indicated that Serbia and the United States are preparing to launch a strategic dialogue centered on energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, defense cooperation, and investment opportunities. Discussions are underway regarding projects related to energy infrastructure, liquefied natural gas cooperation, data centers, and advanced computing technologies.
As Serbia seeks to establish itself as a regional economic hub, it also aspires to join the European Union. Vučić highlighted preparations for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, which will feature nearly 150 participating countries, as a testament to Serbia’s growing international profile and economic ambitions.
Vučić, who has been a dominant political figure in Serbia since becoming prime minister in 2014 and president in 2017, pointed to the country’s economic growth as evidence of its transformation. “Our GDP was 32 billion euros when I became the prime minister,” he noted. “This year it’s going to be over 100 billion euros, which is $120 billion.”
The Serbian president’s relationship with Trump dates back to the latter’s first term, during which the White House facilitated a series of economic normalization agreements between Serbia and Kosovo. Rather than prioritizing the politically sensitive issue of Kosovo’s status, the Trump administration focused on infrastructure projects and investment aimed at improving relations between the two sides. In September 2020, Vučić and then-Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti signed U.S.-brokered economic agreements at the White House, which included commitments to enhance rail and highway connections and promote investment. Trump characterized the deal as a breakthrough achieved by concentrating on “job creation and economic growth” rather than long-standing political disputes.
When asked about the possibility of recognizing Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has been recognized by the United States and most European countries, Vučić pushed back against the premise. He argued that economic cooperation and improved relations should precede discussions about political status. “I’m not saying that I’m ready to violate my constitution… I have always been open to talks or compromising solutions,” he stated. “But I was not speaking about recognition of someone’s independence.”
While Serbia continues to pursue EU membership, it has also maintained ties with Russia and China, a balancing act that has drawn scrutiny amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions. Vučić dismissed the notion that countries must choose between competing geopolitical camps, instead advocating for a pragmatic approach focused on national interests. He cited both his own visit to China and Trump’s engagement with Beijing as examples of this diplomacy.
“President Trump didn’t go there because of his vanity,” Vučić said of Trump’s visit to China. “He brought with him all the leading people of the United States of America for making better businesses, for earning more money for their companies.” Vučić expressed a similar sentiment during his own visits, emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize economic opportunities for their citizens over ideological alignments.
He also addressed ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, advocating for dialogue over warfare. “It’s always better to have thousands of days of negotiations than one day of war,” he remarked. Regarding tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle Eastern conflict, Vučić reiterated Serbia’s support for Israel, a stance that sets Belgrade apart from some European governments. “I am the president of the country that is one of the very rare countries in Europe that is not hesitating to cooperate and collaborate with Israel,” he stated. “And it is proud to say this publicly and openly.”
Vučić expressed concern about rising antisemitism globally, stating, “From time to time, I’m very much afraid to see a lot of antisemitic slogans and antisemitic banners.” He assured that Serbia has resisted these trends and will continue to do so under his leadership. “It does not happen in Serbia, and it won’t happen as long as I’m the president,” he concluded.
According to Fox News, Vučić’s insights reflect a significant shift in Serbia’s foreign relations, particularly with the United States, as both countries explore new avenues for cooperation.