Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic decorated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for helping develop friendly relations between the two countries, a day after the European Parliament condemned what it said are systematic efforts by his government to undermine European values.

Orban was awarded the Order of the Republic Of Serbia for exceptional contributions in developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between Serbia and Hungary.

Responding to a question about the European Parliament decision, Orban said he think’s it’s a joke “but we’re not laughing because the joke is boring”.

Orban told the presentation ceremony that the two countries have to defend Europe’s southern gate, adding that the two nations share history, geography and centuries of friendship. “Hungary and Serbia have to be friends,” he said.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said that the European sanctions against Russia are inflicting damage on everyone, adding that Budapest wants the sanctions policy changed because it is more painful for European countries than for Russia.

“Sanctions policy is easily created in Paris, Brussels and Berlin but we are closer to the sanctioned country – Russia. The closer, the more you suffer so it’s no wonder that Hungary’s stand is far from Brussels – 2,000 kilometers,” he said.

Vucic recalled that Serbia did not impose sanctions which caused it problems. He said that Orban made sure that Serbia could continue getting Russian oil.

According to Vucic, relations between the two countries are at the highest level ever, adding that Orban is a true friend of Serbia and the Serb people. “Thank you for helping Serbia get through the long and cold winter,” Vucic said.