Vučić: We cannot share "Rafale" technology with Russia

(Patria) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, after Serbia and France signed an agreement on the procurement of 12 new French "Rafale" multi-role fighter jets for 2.7 billion euros, stated that Serbia cannot share the technology of these aircraft with Russia.

"It is impossible for us to transfer technology. Don't worry, the people from the company 'Dassault' have taken care of that a thousand times, not just once. Those talks were difficult and arduous, and they would not have given away technology for anything in the world," Vučić told reporters after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

He added that Western media often suspect Serbia of doing something with the Russians, but that he will not apologize for it, and that he is proud of Serbia's policy.

"I am proud that we always respect the UN Charter, which cannot be said for many Western countries, especially when it comes to Serbia's territorial integrity, and we respected it then and today," said Vučić.

He added that he knows Macron would like Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia, but Serbia "has not done so and is not ashamed of its decision".

"Have we done anything against Ukraine? No. We support Ukraine's territorial integrity, we support the UN Charter, and we consider them a friendly nation," said Vučić, stating that Serbia has provided more humanitarian aid to Ukraine "than all others from the Balkans combined, multiplied by 20".

Answering some criticism from Serbia about why the planes are not being procured from Russia or China, Vučić asked "how would Russian planes reach Serbia now".

"My job is to think about Serbia's sovereignty and independence and to do everything that is best for our country. And why shouldn't we work with France? Are "Rafales" bad planes? No, in our opinion, the "Rafale" is the best plane in the world," he said.

He added that Serbia cannot get the "Meteor" missiles that France uses, nor other countries in the region, except perhaps Greece, but rather "Mica" missiles.

The French President said that he wants to send a message of friendship from France to Serbia and that Serbia's place is in Europe and the European Union.

"Our economic cooperation has strengthened. French companies have long-term commitments to infrastructure projects such as the Belgrade metro, the modernization of 'Nikola Tesla' Airport, the modernization of the electricity distribution network, waste management, and cooperation in the healthcare sector," Macron emphasized.