Bilateral relations between Serbia, Russia on upward scale

Belgrade, Oct 20, 2009 – Serbian President Boris Tadic stated following today’s meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that bilateral relations between their countries have been on the upward scale for years, adding that there is mutual understanding in all relevant domains.
Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Boris Tadic
Photo: Fonet
At a joint press conference following the meeting with Medvedev at the Serbian Government Palace, Tadic stated that Serbia has met with a positive response from the Russian President and Prime Minister regarding Russia’s support in the time of crisis and also for the realisation of the South Stream gas pipeline project.

Tadic said that his meeting with Medvedev was of historic importance, adding that Serbia is expanding economic relations with Russia, which is vital to the development of both the Serbian and the European economy.

He voiced his gratitude to Medvedev for Russia’s principled support to Serbia in the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity in Kosovo-Metohija.

Tadic stressed that Serbia will never recognise Kosovo. He said that this policy will never change and that Serbia will continue to insist on the observance of international law.

We will peacefully await the decision of the International Court of Justice and after that we will be ready for talks with the representatives of Kosovo Albanians about a viable solution, but we will never recognise Kosovo, said Tadic.

He said that many areas of cooperation were identified at the meeting, such as the establishment of emergency response centres in Nis and investments in road and rail infrastructure.

He said that there is a possibility of building new harbours on the Danube and scope for making new investments in the energy sector.

Russia today is one of the most influential countries in the world and it is not possible to solve problems without the participation of all major powers, said Tadic

He said that the global economic crisis can also turn into a security challenge because of which building new economic structures is very important.

Tadic said that he is pleased that his meeting with Medvedev took place on the anniversary of Belgrade Liberation Day, when the two countries had fought together against fascism, adding that relations between Serbia and Russia were always based on mutual support and solidarity.

He said that recently an official document was discovered in Serbia which shows that cooperation and friendly contact between the Russian and Serbian nations date back to 1509, showing a spirit of cooperation five centuries old.

Medvedev said that the negotiations held today were excellent and that bilateral cooperation of Russia and Serbia is developing since there are many new projects that tie the two countries.

He stressed that Russia will continue to support Serbia on the issues of Kosovo and EU integration and reiterated that his country will continue to defend sovereignty of Serbia and will respect other decisions that Serbia makes.

Russia and Serbia have similar positions regarding international relations and the situation in Europe, Medvedev said and added that Russia is ready to talk to everyone about their initiative for a new security system in Europe.

The Russian President said that the economic development of the two countries and the energy safety of Europe depend on the success of Russia’s and Serbia’s strategic cooperation on the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline and the Banatski Dvor storage facility.

He said that he talked with Tadic about energy safety and issues related to transport and alternative energy, which will be further dealt with by Russian and Serbian companies.

Speaking about energy projects, Medvedev referred to several great projects, such as modernisation of the Serbian oil company Naftna Industrija Srbije, which can become a regional leader in the energy sector, and the construction of Banatski Dvor gas storage facility. He also referred to some projects from the field of transport.

Apart from economic cooperation, Medvedev also underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in other spheres, such as culture. He said that next year the Days of Serbian Culture will be held in Russia, and in 2011, Days of Russian Culture will be held in Serbia.

Medvedev also expressed great satisfaction with the fact that he visited Belgrade on the day of its liberation from the Fascist occupying forces.

Regardless of who is at the head of our states, that day will always connect us. That is when we fought together for liberation and for building our independent states, the President of Russia concluded.