Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić Visits Azerbaijan Serbia’s president turned a global urbanism summit in Baku into a three‑day showcase of diplomatic warmth, energy ambitions, and a fresh clash with domestic critics.

Aleksandar Vučić’s visit to Azerbaijan began with a ceremonial embrace: local media highlighted that he was welcomed “with the highest state honors and an extremely cordial and friendly welcome” by President Ilham Aliyev, affirming “the close relations which Serbia and Azerbaijan have been building for years.” In their bilateral talks, Vučić underlined Aliyev as a “great friend of Serbia” and thanked him for “consistent and principled support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.”

From there, Vučić moved to the main stage of the 13th World Urban Forum, telling delegates he was “proud to represent Serbia… at one of the most important global gatherings dedicated to the future of cities, sustainable development and improving citizens’ quality of life.” He cast Expo 2027 in Belgrade as Serbia’s global calling card, promising that “innovative solutions for cities will be presented at Expo 2027” and that the event would be “a platform for more than 140 countries… to present their creative and innovative solutions,” from mobility upgrades to “new generations of electric aircraft and smart transport systems.”

Energy policy dominated his pitch: Serbia, he said, “must increase energy production” through wind, nuclear and solar, while eyeing joint projects such as a gas power plant in Niš with Azerbaijani partners. Pro‑government outlets framed the trip as a success story, stressing Vučić’s “notable speech” before more than 41,000 participants from 180 countries and the “warm welcome and friendly embrace” in Baku.

But even in this carefully choreographed setting, domestic disputes followed him. Answering Serbian journalists in Baku, Vučić used part of his media time to attack a student movement’s Memorandum on Kosovo and to react to Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence, turning a forum on sustainable cities into yet another stage for Serbia’s unresolved political battles.