Macron arrives in Serbia

Vučić recently, at the opening of the Serbian House in Paris, during the Olympic Games, announced the arrival of Macron.

He then assessed that after the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President of China Xi Jinping, few world leaders had such short-term visits as Serbia has.

The current French president visited Belgrade for the first time in July 2019, when the two countries celebrated 180 years since the introduction of diplomatic relations. "France loves you as you loved her," said Macron in Serbian to the citizens gathered at Kalemegdan. Macron and Vučić then unveiled the renewed Monument of Gratitude to France for the help provided to Serbia in the First World War. 22 agreements were signed, among which was a statement of intentions for the Belgrade metro construction project.

The economy and military topics will be discussed, during the meeting between the two presidents. President Vučić previously stated that the purchase of Rafale would be the largest allocation of the Serbian military budget "which would amount to up to three billion euros". The military issues are part of the agenda, as confirmed by President Macron at a press conference on July 18, after the Summit of the European Political Community in Great Britain.

Asked about the status of the contract for the supply of French aircraft to Serbia, Macron replied that he would visit Serbia in the coming weeks or months "to finalize the negotiations that are the subject of technical, financial, and political negotiations between our countries".

Serbia and France agreed on the Rafale fighter jet purchase in April during the visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Paris and the meeting with Macron.

Additionally, Serbia and France have a memorandum of understanding of cooperation related to energy transition and low-carbon technology. Vučić said that talks are being held with France to obtain knowledge and expertise in hydroelectric and nuclear power plants.

From Paris, where he attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games at the end of July, Vučić said that Macron's visit is expected by September 5 or 6. The President of Serbia expressed his belief that important agreements could be reached then. The President of France sees his country's relations with Serbia as "firm, honest and structural for both countries and the entire region".

Vučić also says that France has a reliable partner and friend in Serbia. The two countries are also strengthening economic cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia announced that more than 100 French companies are operating in Serbia, employing more than 12,000 workers.

The French company Vinci received a concession for 25 years for the Belgrade airport "Nikola Tesla". Also, in 2014, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the metro.