Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov voiced his support to Serbia’s on-going EU integration efforts and announced all economic projects, such as the South Stream gas pipeline, will continue as planned.
Lavrov wrapped up his two-day visit to Serbia on June 17 during which he held separate meetings with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic.
After meeting with Dacic, Lavrov told a press conference that Russia respects Serbia’s position towards the EU membership as it “promotes an idea of mutual economic, humanitarian and cultural space,” instead of creating new divisions in Europe.
“We confirmed all our contracts and agreements concerning the South Stream, and agreed that it is necessary to finish this great project as it is the only way to supply South-East Europe with gas,” Lavrov said at the Palace Serbia in Belgrade.
Lavrov’s visit to Serbia indicates progress in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, Dacic said on June 16, as he met his Russian counterpart at the airport.
“Sergey Lavrov is back here again three years after his latest visit. This is another step towards the development of political relations between our two fraternal nations,” Dacic said, adding that “Serbia and the Serbian people are very pleased to meet the minister.”
“Russia and Serbia have signed a strategic partnership declaration,” he said. “And we want to develop our relations in the spirit of partnership. We will negotiate all issues of our bilateral relations.” Lavrov told Dacic that he is grateful for the invitation. “I hope we will be able to discuss all issues of our bilateral relations,” he said. “We are convinced that they serve the interests of the people of Russia and Serbia.”
“As always, international regional problems are also on the agenda,” Lavrov said. “These are the Balkans and the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe), over which Serbia will preside next year.”