In a moment of heightened global tensions, Serbia has no plans on joining NATO and will adhere to a foreign policy that continues to recognize Russia as an ally. This was the key message from Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, speaking exclusively to CGTN's Liu Jiaxin. Deputy Prime Minister Vulin also said he expects the incoming White House administration to respect Serbia's sovereignty and independence.

LIU JIAXIN CGTN Reporter "Mr. Deputy Prime Minister Vulin, here's a quote: 'Serbia is a Russian ally and will never impose sanctions against Moscow or join NATO' – this is what you said as you met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September this year. A month later, however, at the BRICS summit in Russia, we did not see the Serbian president in attendance. Help us understand what the Serbian leadership was thinking and if there was any pressure on Serbia."

ALEKSANDAR VULIN Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia "There is always pressure on Serbia. There is always pressure on Serbia from the West. They said and asked from us that we should impose sanctions on Russia, that we stop Chinese investments, that we should do all the things that are supported by the European Union or the United States of America, but we are an independent state. We never impose any kind of sanctions on Russia. And we will continue with that kind of policy. Russia is our ally, Russia is our friend, not just historically friend. We share the common future. Russia did nothing to harm us. Why we should harm Russia? NATO bombarded Serbia. NATO made aggression on Serbia, dreadful aggression. They even killed the Chinese citizen. The Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was brutally attacked, deliberately attacked. They know what they were doing. We should be a part of that NATO? President Vucic held telephone conversation with President Putin. He called him, explained to him that I will lead the Serbian delegation in Kazan. President Vucic and President Putin are personal friends, they trust each other. I'm really proud of that relation."

LIU JIAXIN CGTN Reporter "Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said he spoke with Donald Trump in November, inviting him to visit the Balkan country while pointing out that in Serbia, the U.S. president-elect had the highest level of support among all European states during the election campaign. As a Serbian official under U.S. sanctions since last July, what changes do you think Trump's inauguration will bring to relations between Serbia and the United States?"

ALEKSANDAR VULIN Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia "I'm not so optimistic that now entire politics of the United States will change regarding to Serbia that they said, okay, sorry, it's our mistake because we made aggression on you or Kosovo's no independent anymore, etc. Yes as you rightfully said, I am under sanctions of the United States of America, because they consider that my beliefs are against their interests. Fine. I will not lose my connections with Russia or China. And absolutely, I will not change my idea that Serbia must be free and independent, and that Russia and China support that kind of policy of Serbia. I expect that some things in policy of the United States will change regarding to Serbia, but I'm not so optimistic that everything's going to be changed in the instant moment. I personally congratulate to president Trump for (winning the) elections. He already has sympathy of the Serbs. But respect? I hope that he will achieve respect, that he will deserve our respect."