YouSaid · the spoken record

Aleksandar Vučić

lines on the record: 126
first: 2016-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We ask for a clear answer to the question that I have been asking my interlocutors, leaders of many countries, for years: what is the difference between the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, which was grossly violated, and for which Member States, at least some, provided international recognition and legitimacy? No one has ever provided a rational answer to that question. Let me recall the fact that Serbia has never stepped on someone else’s territory, and neither has it endangered the territorial integrity of a single sovereign State so that anyone might intervene or carry out aggression against it in the way in which that was done against Serbia in 1999.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In such a way, we behaved responsibly and seriously in this renowned institution. Nevertheless, we can hear from many speakers stories about aggression and violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Many say that this was the first conflict on European soil since the Second World War. But the truth that the territorial integrity of a country in Europe — Serbia, as a matter of fact — that did not attack any other sovereign country was violated is constantly unspoken.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That principle stands out today more than ever, and is best described in the words of the Preamble to the Charter, which urge that we “practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”. Rejecting the use of force and ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes are pillars of world stability, but they must be accompanied by principles such as non-selective observance of the Charter and the implementation of mandatory Security Council resolutions and the basic principles of the applicable international public law. Secondly, regarding the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of internationally recognized States, Serbia supports the territorial integrity of all States Members of the United Nations, including, of course, the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The first is returning to peace and the preservation of global stability; the second is the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of internationally recognized States — members of the Organization — as a key principle of international public law and relations between the countries; the third is energy security in the throes of a global crisis; the fourth is the financial safety of poor and developing countries; and the fifth and last is about food supplies in the wake of the interruption of global supply chains by war. First, the current global developments increasingly remind us that there can be no alternative to the principle of the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our general debate is being held while world peace is being undermined to an extent not seen since the Second World War and the subsequent founding of our United Nations. The global challenges we are facing threaten to radically change the international security architecture and jeopardize the established international legal order. Such complex times demand enormous wisdom and unity if we are to preserve peace as the absolutely most important heritage woven into the foundations of our Organization. That is why I would like to speak clearly and accurately to the Assembly about five key challenges we are facing today.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“And that reality is such that no one is listening to anyone here, no one strives to reach real agreements or resolve problems and almost all of us care only for our own interests, often breaching the basic principles of international law along the way and throwing away the Charter of the United Nations and other documents on which the Organization was founded. That is not the fault of Antonio Guterres or anyone from the United Nations. It is the fault of the Powers that care for nothing other than achieving their own political, economic and — unfortunately — military goals. We are witness to the fact that the age we live in is characterized by a complex global geopolitical situation.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is a great honour for me to address the General Assembly on behalf of the Republic of Serbia. In view of our time limits, I ask everyone not to mind if I skip the burden of formalities, courtesy words and greetings to those who are present in or absent from this Hall, and instead speak directly about the essence of why we are gathered here. I have been in this Hall so many times. The seriousness of the present moment obliges me to share difficult but true words with the Assembly. Everything we are doing here today seems at best relatively impotent and vague. Our words are hollow and empty echoes compared to the reality we are facing.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The best example that the great should not brutalize the small is the example of the small Serbian nation, which put an end to an empire that had lasted almost a thousand years.” Serbia despises any kind of violence. Serbia wants peace and prosperity, for itself and for the entire mankind. Serbia wants peace for its region. Thank you for your attention and stay safe”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“UNESCO which with special piety emphasizes our medieval art and I dare say the most significant man of the 20th and 21st century, our scientist Nikola Tesla, proves our contribution to civilization and common good. The time frame between the White Angel fresco, the first painting that went to Orbit, and Tesla, covers the period from renaissance to our contemporaries. In its striving towards lasting peace and common wellbeing, Serbia obliged itself to military neutrality. We rightly believe that it is one of the strongest messages of peace that went from the Balkans to the world. The great American artist Isidora Duncan said after the Great War: “Violence by the big and powerful can often be turned against them.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We believe that it is essential to further strengthen in the upcoming period efforts for preservation of principles this Organization was founded on 75 years ago. We are convinced that the role of the United Nations in these processes was and remains irreplaceable. Rest assured that the Republic of Serbia will continue to act as a serious and reliable partner in achieving common goals, strengthening cooperation within the United Nations and building better future for all of us. Like I have already said, the Republic of Serbia is not within the group of big Countries, neither by its territory nor by its population. But, judging by its culture and contribution to science, our Country is among the most developed nations.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“After that, with a unilateral action by which the Provisional Institutions of the Self-Government in Pristina declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, UN SC Resolution 1244 (1999) was violated and stability of the Republic of Serbia, but also of the entire region, was seriously endangered. Let me remind you that the Republic of Serbia is fully committed to finding compromise solution for the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. Our politics is a responsible one; we do everything to protect the interests of our people, but also regional peace and stability. By defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity and by observing the UN SC Resolution 1244 (1999), the Republic of Serbia at the same time defends the international law, the UN Charter as well as the supremacy of the Security Council.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Dear Friends, The UN Charter should be a “Constitution” of the modern international community, collection of basic principles regulating international relations and processes in international community one must not stand back from. Unfortunately, at the very end of the 20th century, in my country we were witnesses and victims of unilateral measures and activities that undermine and question not only the efficiency of multilateralism and international cooperation mechanisms, but the international law itself. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, at that time, was bombed without the consent of the United Nations Security Council, whereby the UN Charter was most severely violated.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It is with great pride that we underline that we are the leading country in the Western Balkans region, and the 9th biggest contributor on the list of leading European armed and police forces in UN missions. Additionally, Serbia will continue contributing fight against terrorism through full implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Adoption of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 as well as Paris Climate Change Agreement are key steps in facing some of the biggest challenges today — global economic instability, growing social inequality and climate change effects.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Republic of Serbia remains committed to finding compromise solution for the issue of Kosovo and to building common future with the politics of peace and cooperation. Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellencies, The Republic of Serbia is not committed only to peace and security as well as to social and economic prosperity in the national and regional dimension, but it is also aware of the importance of active engagement in these areas globally. We attach big importance to the UN efforts in promoting and preserving peace and security worldwide and we actively participate in the collective security system. By continuing the tradition of Yugoslavia’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions, started in 1956, representatives of Serbia are actively engaged in UN and EU peacekeeping missions.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I take this opportunity to underline and praise very constructive and important role that the administration of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump played in reaching this agreement, which is an important signal of their commitment in finding lasting and sustainable solution for this important issue. Dialogue between Belgrade and Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Pristina, which has continued in Brussels with the EU intermediation, is the real path for reaching sustainable agreement between two sides, but the starting point can by no means be humiliating and unacceptable so-called independence of Kosovo. Despite of everything, we believe that the agreement between Serbs and Albanians is a key to regional stability.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We believe that it will be possible to reach a solution after the long and difficult dialogue, but rest assured that Serbia will never agree to humiliations. Accepting anything that is not compromise is not for us. And, by compromise, both sides must be equally either satisfied or dissatisfied. Recent renewal of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue under the EU auspices, after almost two years of deadlock, is by all means the first step on that path. Additionally, big step forward in finding mutually acceptable solution for the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is a recent signing of the agreement on economic normalization in Washington, D.C., which involves a set of economic and infrastructure projects, which should enable better life for all citizens in that part of our country and of our region.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Decision on establishing “Green Corridors” in our region was a useful one, which enabled smooth transport of assistance, without delays at border and administrative crossing points. Your Excellencies, You are familiar with our problem regarding preservation of the territorial integrity of Serbia, i.e. efforts to resolve — despite all the obstacles, the issue of our Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. Precisely the politics of Serbia for preservation of peace and stability, cooperation and economic progress I’ve mentioned earlier, is a sufficient incentive for approaching resolving this long lasting problem, in the best interest of the both Serbs and Albanians. On this path, we were and we will face numerous pressures because Serbia is at the crossroads where different political interests collide.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We believe that without full integration of the Western Balkans to the EU, common economic and political space in the European continent will not be complete and we are convinced that enlargement policy is not only in the interest of the citizens of the Western Balkans, but also in the interest of the European Union. I am pleased that even in this difficult period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic a very high level of mutual solidarity in the region was demonstrated, which is to a great extent precisely the result of constructive and proactive relationship that Serbia has been building in previous years with its neighbors. We have cooperated intensively with regional countries related to both repatriation of citizens and related to issues of humanitarian and medical assistance, but also regular supply of goods.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Guided precisely by the need to promote economic cooperation and create favorable investment climate in the Western Balkans region, in the fall of 2019, together with the Prime Minster of the North Macedonia and Albania, Zoran Zaev and Edi Rama, we inaugurated the initiative directed towards enabling freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital, and much closer cooperation between our three countries. I want to underline that the initiative is open for other stakeholders from the Western Balkans and I hereby invite them to join, being that its essence is to be fully inclusive for everybody in our region. We believe that European perspective of the region was and remains important incentive for necessary reform processes and promotion of cooperation.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We are committed to preservation of regional stability and intensifying cooperation in all areas, being that it contributes to reconciliation process, closer connectivity and development and it is to the benefit of the citizens of the entire region. We are aware of the seriousness and complexity of the problem in relations with some of our neighbors and we are committed to resolving them exclusively through dialogue, taking into consideration interests of all interested parties. In that context, Serbia strives to put special emphasis on the development of economic cooperation, believing that such approach may contribute to raising mutual trust, confidence, and thereby easier resolving of open issues.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We cherish partnership relations with the Western countries, including more intensive cooperation with the USA, but at the same time we are proud of exceptional relations with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. And, as you can see, we don’t hide that, we are very proud of our friendships. Cooperation with friendly African, Asia-Pacific and Latin American countries is also in the focus of our foreign policy activities. Additionally, improvement of regional cooperation is the basic starting point of our foreign policy and we believe that in relations with our neighbors we have acted as a responsible and reliable partner.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Despite of the crisis effects, Serbia has excellent results in economy in the first two quarters of this year and we have strong reasons to believe that by the end of the year we will remain among the most stable economies in Europe. We are not a rich country, and I will say also that we are not a poor country, but we hope that by the end of the year we’ll have the biggest growth rate in entire Europe. So far, in the first six months, we became the first country — at least the country with the biggest growth rate, and I hope that we will be able to continue in the same manner. Dear Friends, Full membership to the European Union is a foreign policy priority of the Republic of Serbia. However, our European path does not exclude commitment to development of cooperation and deepening relations with countries from all regions.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“On the other hand, and beside already allocated financial support for strengthening response of healthcare systems to COVID-19, we will keep supporting the World Health Organization, as well as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) as a leading stakeholder in the field of immunization. Even though the pandemic has shaken the strongest world economies, I have to say that Serbia managed to keep stable budget, as well as the entire fiscal and monetary system which is fully prepared to withhold assistance measures for economy, which is open for potential investment plans. We invested huge efforts in order to help survival of our economy, firstly thanks to disciplined and responsible management of public finance.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Serbia is also facing problems in fighting this disease that caused tectonic changes worldwide and we received assistance of the friendly countries when we needed it the most, and I take this opportunity to thank them once again. I have to say many thanks to our European partners, to our Chinese friends, and to our Russian friends as well. Likewise, we showed solidarity and provided assistance to other countries and we will keep helping those who need it most in these difficult times. I avail myself of this opportunity to extend big gratitude for help and support provided by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to the Government of the Republic of Serbia in fighting pandemic.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We firmly believe that only by mutual cooperation, harmonization of positions and mutual respect, a global response in facing this modern plague can be found. The United Nations we need, both today and in the future, must be adapted to newly occurred circumstances and ready for joint response to the modern age challenges. In that regard, the existing situation is the opportunity we must take for promoting system of international coordination and support. Precisely in that regard the United Nations must have a key role and that is why we need to work continuously on adapting, strengthening and efficiency of the United Nations system, because it is the best way towards full achievement of the idea of multilateralism. Newly occurred reality in the world is another proof that modern challenges know no borders of the countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We firmly believe that only by joint actions, mutual harmonization and respect, answers can be found in facing global challenges such as the ongoing Pandemic of the Communicable Disease COVID-19. The pandemic additionally emphasized the need for close and intensive international cooperation, whereby UN and its specialized agencies and organizations, like the World Health Organization, have the irreplaceable role in organized response to newly occurred challenges that are not only of a health nature, but they also have socio-economic, political and security dimension. COVID-19 pandemic strongly confirms the need and necessity of existence and strengthening of the role of the United Nations. The relevance of this forum must never be questioned.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“That is why I am honored to address you today on behalf of the Republic of Serbia, a country that is firmly committed to the policy of peace and prosperity for the entire mankind. The debate we are having today in virtual format speaks for itself about the situation of today’s world and it is a confirmation that we must do anything to preserve and strengthen the United Nations and the General Assembly, as the most important forum where opinions of all member states on the most important topics of global importance can be heard. The topic of this year’s debate reminds us of the importance of multilateralism as the founding principal of the United Nations.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As a representative of a country and people who suffered a lot and had many victims in fighting Nazism and fascism, I want to convey that it is our common duty to keep the memory and learn from the most devastating conflict in modern history, as well as to jointly confront any attempt of relativization of ferocious crimes from the Second World War. Only with the help of lessons learned from the bitter past we can build a new, brighter vision of future. The Republic of Serbia is not among the big countries, neither by its territory nor by its population. That is why the United Nations General Assembly is a place of utmost significance, a place where the small ones as well have the right and opportunity to make their points, and defend them with arguments.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Your Excellencies, The 75th UN anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter is an important jubilee for the entire mankind. The Republic of Serbia strongly supports multilateralism and principles of the UN Charter. Sovereign equality of the countries, denial of use of force, non-interference in internal matters of other countries, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for differences are the principles whose validity has never been and must never be questioned. Big changes in the international scene brought by the 21st century only make the need for strict observation of the UN Charter and its well-known basic principles stronger. In this year of big jubilees, we mark at the same time the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As I said before, we are on our path towards joining the EU and we have partnerships and relations with Western countries, including increasingly intensive cooperation with the United States of America. We are also proud of our excellent relations with Russia and China, and cooperation with friendly African, Asia-Pacific and Latin American countries is another focus of Serbian foreign policy. “If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him the chance.” With those words, often attributed to the great statesman Abraham Lincoln, I would like to thank the Assembly for its attention and conclude by saying a few words in Serbian, which will be very well understood by an entire region: “Balkan, balkanskim narodima; zivela Srbija”.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We advocate that all outstanding issues in the world be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue and in line with international law and the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. We want to cherish old friendships and build new ones, which is why we are proud to say, here, in the most important Hall in the world, that we will do our best to improve our cooperation with all African, Asian and Latin American countries. That is also how we see the future of Serbia and the future of the world. However, friendship is not something that can be given once and last forever — it should be continuously maintained and nurtured. In that regard, the countries of the world can always rely on Serbia.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I believe that our small divided markets in the Western Balkans would be of far more interest to everyone if we were to act together. A regional cooperation and economic zone would not be a substitute for the European Union, but it could be an expression of our concern for ourselves, at least until we finalize the long process of achieving European integration. Serbia respects all States Members of the United Nations and their territorial integrity and sovereignty. We have never asked, nor will we ever ask, for something that is not ours. We expect to receive the same level of respect. We do not grant ourselves the right to divide the world into who is good and who is bad, nor to evaluate what is right and what is wrong. We are proud of our freedom-loving tradition and our historical contribution to the fight to uphold law and justice.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In approximately 10 days, Serbia will also start to build a highway between Belgrade and Sarajevo, just as we have already built, or are building, many roads and railways because we want to be closer to all our neighbours so as to get to know and understand each other better. We are also building a highway towards Banja Luka to help reduce political tensions resulting from cross-border provocations and to lead to an increase in cooperation. One of the ways to achieve that cooperation is through the establishment of a regional economic zone. No one should be afraid that a new Yugoslavia is hiding behind this idea, or that it is an expression of, or a desire for, Serbian hegemony, just because it is coming from Belgrade.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Until today, we fought for who would support one, two or three big Powers and which Power would create a better future for us. I am not at all naive, and I know that in the future we will to a great extent depend on the big Powers. But everything that we can do ourselves we should not, and will not, leave to others. That is why the Balkans should belong to the Balkan nations — a sovereign and free people, who will know how to fight in the best way for their own future. We want the same for all other nations worldwide and we will always fight for that in this noble institution.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are building a highway towards Montenegro, and there is an ongoing plan to connect with Romania with a better road. We are building railways towards Hungary and modernizing the railways towards Montenegro and North Macedonia. It is my wish to revive the railway between Belgrade and Sarajevo. Three days ago, I had an important meeting with the Prime Ministers of North Macedonia and Albania. We agreed to start working for ourselves, for our region, not to unite but to enable the free flow of goods, capital and services and to start creating a common market — to start something a little revolutionary because nations in the Balkans do not have to serve only others, but together they can achieve the best and greatest things for themselves.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Despite everything, I believe that the agreement between Serbs and Albanians is of the utmost importance to the stability of the Balkans and that those two nations have a role in our region that Winston Churchill intended for France and Germany when he spoke of uniting Europe. We are ready to continue to make efforts to reach a solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. If that were not the case, we would not be starting to build the highway section from Nis to Pristina next year. Serbia has always been a crossroads and, as such, it became the seat of the Southeast Europe Transport Community. We have just finished the highway towards North Macedonia. At the beginning of November, we inaugurated a highway towards Bulgaria.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Throughout this time, Serbia reacted moderately and responsibly to Pristina’s unilateral acts, not imposing countermeasures and trying to calm the situation. It is not only the interests of Belgrade and Pristina that are intertwined through the problems of Kosovo and Metohija but also those of various international stakeholders. As long as it continues like that, Kosovo will be a source of endless political manipulation and instability. That is precisely why the presence of the United Nations, through the work of UNMIK, is necessary as a guarantee of safety for the Serbs living there.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“However, the obligations assumed under the respective Agreement were met only by Serbia. We continued the dialogue despite frequent tensions and incidents in Kosovo and despite the various unilateral moves of Pristina, which made it difficult, until it stopped due to the most unreasonable unilateral move of all, that is, the imposition of a 100 per cent tariff on the import of Serbian goods, which actually means the full termination of the flow of goods. Between the time when Kosovo imposed tariffs, on 21 November 2018, and 21 August of this year, we lost approximately €350 million. The tariffs, which are still in force, also jeopardize the normal and dignified life of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“That is why, as I see it, a lasting solution should be reached in such a way that neither of the parties would gain everything but they would gain enough. Even though we do not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, just as fewer and fewer countries do — because in accordance with the legally binding Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), Kosovo and Metohija is an autonomous province within the Republic of Serbia, under the administration of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) — in the desire for peace and stability, we had a dialogue with the Albanians who live there, facilitated by the European Union. Through our concessions, we made certain progress and witnessed it by signing the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The centuries-long problem of Kosovo and Metohija is far from a misunderstanding or prejudice, but we have courageously and realistically, with will and faith, started the quest for a lasting solution. No one cares more about resolving this difficult burden than Serbia because it would provide not only our country but also the entire region with peace, stability, cooperation, economic prosperity and progress on our EU path. That is why we expect the world, especially the big Powers, to see, understand and support our positions and arguments, as well as not to support moves in the opposite direction, as they did in the crucial years from 1999 to 2008. As the United States President John Kennedy said, we cannot negotiate with people who say what is mine is mine and what is yours is negotiable.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We do not care what other big Powers think of that because we believe that we are entitled to think and to decide our own destiny and what is best for our own people, not do what other big and powerful ones think. Members all know that we face problems regarding the territorial integrity of Serbia, that in fact we face the pending issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The unresolved problem of Kosovo and Metohija affects above all the economic progress and future of the young people in the region and in Serbia. That is why I will speak about efforts to resolve that despite all the obstacles. The Serbian writer and diplomat Jovan Ducic said that enemies are only our friends in disguise, who distance themselves from us only because of some kind of misunderstanding or prejudice.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Do people in the region live well? The answer is no. We need decades of peace, hard and diligent work and great successes in order to bring ourselves closer to the developed European countries. Nevertheless, under such conditions and due to the economic progress, Serbia chose an independent foreign policy and independent decision-making as its path towards the future. That is why we do not hide anywhere, not even in this Hall, but we praise the good and friendly relations that we have with the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation and the better and better relations with the United States of America because our task is to take care of our people. We do not care what someone else in the world may tell us, whether we were buying gas or chocolate, we chose the highest quality and the most affordable goods.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The IMF envisages that the GDP per capita, which is a reliable indicator of the standard of living, will be $10,394 in 2023. That is an increase of approximately 45 per cent as compared to $7,207 last year. It will therefore have almost doubled in only five years. Precisely because of its stable economic situation, in the first seven months of this year Serbia attracted €2.32 billion in foreign direct investment, which is much more than in the same period last year. It was the most successful year for Serbia. Finally, Serbia has by far the lowest unemployment rate in the region, at 10.3 per cent. In addition, we invest in the future of Serbia through knowledge, and we are now known for the export of information technology products and software. Last year, that export exceeded €1 billion. Here is an important question: do we live well?”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We will always advocate a policy of peace and cooperation because it is the only way to create the necessary stability, without which there is no economic growth and progress. I come from a country that had to face very difficult reforms in 2014. We were on the brink of bankruptcy and complete ruin. Today, Serbia has no problems with its public finances, and I want to report wonderful news to the citizens of my country. We expect one of the largest global credit agencies, as early as tomorrow, to increase not only the outlook but also the credit rating of our country. According to projections by experts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the gross domestic product of Serbia will cumulatively grow by 12.5 per cent, or 4 per cent a year, over the next three years. That result will not be achieved by any other country in the region.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“But in this Hall and in any other place we will advocate more strongly than ever not only for respect for the rights, independence and sovereignty of small countries but also for the ability always to preserve equality and our right to freedom and independent decision-making by acting together. That is why I am going to speak about Serbia and the region because one does not go without the other. Let me paraphrase Ernest Hemingway. Serbia is not an island, but, I proudly say, a part of the Balkans and it is stronger if those around it are stronger. That is why I strive for the region, almost to the same extent as I strive for Serbia. That is why we are so eager for the Balkans to accept a policy of cooperation and that is why we will always strive to talk to each other.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Unfortunately, it is with mockery that we look at those who were mentioned because we were not in their shoes. And, in this way, we survive another year. I am not speaking about just one great Power but about all the great Powers. I come from a small country, albeit the largest in the Western Balkans, which suffered the most in the First World War. I come from a people who survived the most egregious suffering and the Jasenovac genocide in the Second World War and a people who, above all, want peace, stability and the possibility to move forward in the twenty-first century. The former Yugoslavia — and its legal successor, Serbia — was one of the founders of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Today, we are on the path towards membership of the European Union (EU), which is a strategic commitment of our country.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I have the honour to address the General Assembly as the President of the Republic of Serbia — a country of good and honest people who gave me their trust and honoured me to with the task of representing them before the Assembly and in a world where, through their hard work, they have regained the place that belongs to them. When I was last in this Hall, two years ago (see A/72/PV.11), it was said that the situation in the world was harder than that of the prior year, 2016. I would not say that in 2019 it is any easier, for it is the contrary that is true. Members have noticed that, like children, all of us gather in this big Hall when we need to hear what the great Powers think about us and our future. A bit scared and worried, we are happy when it is over and that we have not been mentioned in their speeches.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Serbia believes in and is pleased with the increasingly important role of the United Nations, not only in maintaining peace and stability, but in the more important tasks the Organization performs for the benefit of humankind today. Serbia will support any United Nations reform that strengthens the role of the Organization, because it means more discussion, less use of force and less arrogance in international relations. Our job is therefore to do everything we can to enable a more active role for the United Nations worldwide. I will conclude with words that are often attributed to the great Albert Einstein: “The world is a dangerous place to live. Not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who do not do anything about it.””
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Likewise, we will always show care for and solidarity with Syrian, Afghan, sub-Saharan or any other refugees, without diminishing our resolve to confront international terrorism and radical Islamic movements such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham or Al-Qaida, because we believe that a democratic society based on equal rights for all is the only society that we want to live and see our future in. We recognize that fighting poverty and social inequality in the context of preventing radicalism and strengthening extremism is a very important task. We champion the integration of citizens of all religions and political and other affiliations into modern society on a basis of common values, while preserving each person’s individual identity and respect for all.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We have never threatened anybody, nor will we, but we will always dare to condemn actions such as launching a missile that forces the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Hokkaido to spend a day or a night in shelters. I would like to remind members that the courageous and wise American President Dwight D. Eisenhower was prudent enough to say that “every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed”.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)