Serbian president interrupts US visit due to sudden illness

BELGRADE -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has abruptly cut short his official visit to the United States and is returning home after experiencing a sudden medical issue, the country's national broadcaster RTS reported Saturday.

According to the report, Vucic felt unwell on Friday afternoon, following a series of meetings with US Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Serbian-American business representatives.

Present in the room at the time were Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali and Suzana Vasiljevic, Vucic's media adviser, as preparations were under way for upcoming engagements.

After consulting with doctors, the president made the decision to return to Serbia immediately. He was unable to attend key events planned for his visit.

As previously announced, Vucic was scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump and Republican officials.

RTS reported that the office of the president will announce further details about his health in the coming days.

During the visit, Vucic also met with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in Florida.