Djuric meets with Kosachev in Moscow

MOSCOW - Serbian FM Marko Djuric, who is on a two-day visit to Russia, met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of the Russian Federation Konstantin Iosifovich Kosachev in Moscow on Monday.

Thanking Kosachev for a warm welcome, Djuric noted that, since the establishment of the modern Serbian state, Serbia and Russia had maintained close and brotherly relations.

He noted that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic would be representing Serbia at Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in May, and added that this was another proof that Serbia respected, appreciated and was not forgetting the self-sacrifice of Soviets and the Russian people for the freedom of not only their country but Serbia and Europe as well.

Noting that Serbia was pursuing an independent policy, Djuric said the so-called Kosovo had illegally declared independence on this day in 2008 and pointed out that Serbia was grateful to Russia for the persistent support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Kosachev said Russia appreciated Serbia's persevering position in the context of pressure it was facing from the West and added that Djuric's visit to Moscow was another proof of Serbia's sovereignty.

"Rest assured when it comes to support regarding Kosovo-Metohija, as well as regarding the economy and other matters. Russia's support for Serbia is the general stance of all in the Russian parliament. I hope your visit to Moscow will be a foundation for further meetings, and we expect President Vucic on May 9," Kosachev said, adding that Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic was also invited to Moscow.

He said that, simultaneously with other developments, Russia was also watching the internal situation in Serbia and hoping that everything would remain within the framework of the law.

After the meeting with Kosachev, Djuric also spoke with Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy and thanked him for looking after Serbian-Russian relations and ensuring that they remain on a high level among the present generations, too.