Nothing will jeopardize good relations with Russia

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic underscored in Tuesday's talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Serbia will not do anything that could possibly jeopardize good relations with Russia, the president's press service released.

The cooperation with the Russian Federation opens up great prospects for prosperity and a higher living standard for citizens, and everyone knows that, Nikolic said.

The European Union, which Serbia aspires to join, is also aware of this and that is why it shows far more understanding for Serbia's specific position on relations with Russia, President Nikolic said.

The president noted that it is with great concern that Serbia is watching the crisis in Ukraine, adding that the country will not change its stand on the issue. The president also voiced the hope that all problems would be resolved peacefully.

President Nikolic gave Minister Lavrov an official invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Serbia and attend celebrations of 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade in World War II.

Minister Lavrov thanked President Nikolic for the invitation, voicing his belief that the president of the Russian Federation would confirm his arrival in Belgrade in October this year.

Minister Lavrov conveyed Putin's regards to President Nikolic. He said he appreciates highly President Nikolic's contribution to Russia-Serbia relations, and that Putin is of the same opinion.

One of the indicators of improvement in our bilateral relations is the fact that only during the last year the volume of trade between Serbia and Russia grew 15 percent, Minister Lavrov said, expressing the hope that a joint committee would soon be set up to effectively...