Popovic, Grushko discuss further advancement of Serbia-Russia cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister for International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic met on Thursday in Belgrade with Russian Deputy FM Alexander Grushko, who is on an official visit to Serbia for a meeting of a Serbia-Russia intergovernmental committee on trade and economic and science and technical cooperation.

"We are grateful to the Russian Federation for its consistent and continued support for the Republic of Serbia in protection of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, especially as regards our southern province of Kosovo-Metohija," Popovic said after the meeting.

He said the meeting with Grushko had addressed the current situation in Kosovo-Metohija, with special emphasis on the challenges and difficulties faced by Serbs in the province on a daily basis.

"The support from President Putin and the Russian Federation remains a secure backing for Serbia in the defence of its state and national interests," Popovic noted, adding that the discussion topics had also included political and economic cooperation and that there was a mutual commitment to strengthening Serbia-Russia bilateral relations further.

"The recent phone conversation between President Putin and President Vucic as well as their exceptional personal relationship contribute to further strengthening of bilateral relations. We expect external pressure in the future that will be aimed at eroding them, but Serbia and Russia are connected by a deep historical friendship and alliance throughout their shared history," Popovic added.

He noted that the Serbian government would continue to pursue a policy that was in the best interest of the people of Serbia, with the aim of achieving concrete results for the country.