Podgorica, (MINA) – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he would participate in the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat only because President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen asked him to.

He said this to the Radio Television of Serbia, when asked what prevented him from visiting Montenegro, as he travelled more often to China.

Vucic replied that nothing was stopping him, adding that this would be his ninth visit to China.

“I have nothing against Montenegro, I will go to Tivat not because they invited me, but because Von der Leyen asked me to”, said Vucic.

He added that he respected von der Leyen, because she had always showed respect for Serbia.

“If someone else had asked me, I would have said I wouldn’t go. I’m going to Montenegro at the invitation and after speaking with von der Leyen”, emphasized Vucic.

He reiterated that he did not want to celebrate 20 years of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence.

“The bottom line is that they accuse us of interfering with their internal affairs. I’m just trying to stay away from that. You celebrate independence, we don’t, we didn’t want the dissolution of the joint state”, said Vucic.