Vucic: $1 billion loan from UAE will ensure Serbia’s liquidity

NEWS 10.10.202222:42
Tanjug/ Rade Prelić

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is Serbia’s great and true friend, and that the $1bn loan approved to Serbia by the UAE will ensure Serbia’s full liquidity.

Following his meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed, who is paying a visit to Belgrade, Vucic said that the loan will be at Serbia’s disposal a day after the loan agreement is ratified, because Serbia still has to take care of some technical issues. “Sheikh Mohamed is such a great friend of this country that he was angry with his own people thinking that they were slowing things down, but they are not, we are,” Vucic said, the Serbian state TV (RTS) reported on its portal.

He said Serbia currently has two billion and two hundred million Euro in its account. “So, full liquidity without a problem. And when this billion is in the account of the Republic of Serbia, then it is clear to you that we have great liquidity,” said Vucic.

Asked if any agreement has been reached with the UAE regarding oil, Vucic said that he cannot talk about oil supply but only about long-term plans.

The President said he hopes he will be able to also interest Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in some other investments.

„Today, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, our great friend, arrived in Serbia for a visit. I am very happy that we have the opportunity to exchange opinions with him today and tonight, when the Prime Minister and many ministers will be with us. We can learn a great deal and see what the plans and expectations are. If there is anyone who knows what we can expect in terms of oil prices and quantities, it is him,“ Vucic told the media, the RTS reported.

“We talked about the overall situation, both in Ukraine and in the region. I informed him of what the West expects of Serbia, and to what kind of, some would say pressure, some would call it differently, we are exposed to,” Vucic added.

Vucic thanked Sheikh Mohamed for every kind of support and assistance, noting that the one million US dollar loan with 3 percent interest that Serbia got from the UAE, under such favorable conditions, is an almost incredible thing for Serbia.