Vucic: Syria's recognition of so-called Kosovo was expected, influenced by Turkey

SAMARKAND - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday Syria's recognition of the so-called Kosovo had been expected as the new government in Damascus was influenced by Turkey.

Speaking to reporters in Samarkand after attending the opening of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference session, Vucic said the move carried the "recognisable signature" of Turkey and that the importance of the freedom-loving approach of Syria's former leader Bashar al-Assad was now evident.

"This is a marathon, not a 50-metre race. Considering who we are competing with - the world's biggest powers, which are taking our land, our territory away from us - we are holding up well," Vucic said.

The Syrian MFA announced on Wednesday it had recognised the so-called Kosovo in Riyadh.

Vucic: Serbia has succeeded in defending its position on Kosovo-Metohija in UNESCO

SAMARKAND - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday in Samarkand, where he attended the opening of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference session, that it had been very difficult for Serbia to defend its position regarding respect for its territorial integrity in Kosovo-Metohija but that its efforts had been successful thanks to huge diplomatic activities.

"As regards UNESCO itself, it was very difficult for us to defend that position. We have succeeded thanks to huge diplomatic activities and a large number of diplomatic activities. We have preserved our position and, I would say, the position of international public law here in UNESCO. It is important where a UNESCO session is being held, but all internationally recognised, UN-recognised member states are represented here. Of course, Serbia's southern territory is not separated from Serbia here, and that is good news," Vucic told reporters in a comment on the so-called Kosovo's failed attempts to join UNESCO.