Popovic, Russian ambassador discuss advancement of economic cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian government minister Nenad Popovic, in charge of international economic cooperation and the field of the societal position of the church at home and abroad, met with Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Thursday to discuss advancement of Serbia-Russia economic relations.

The meeting especially focused on strategic areas such as energy, innovation, industry, agriculture and new technologies, and opportunities for strengthening the partnership in these sectors were reviewed as well, said a statement released by Popovic's office.

Popovic noted that numerous aspects such as liberalised access to the Russian market, liberalised imports, scheduled flights between Serbia and Russia and substantial bilateral trade helped to strengthen the ties.

"Serbia and Russia are brotherly countries with exceptional political relations. Today, our goal is to take those relations to an even higher level, especially in the economic sphere. Serbia currently has the most favourable gas price in Europe, and we are trying to keep that that way while strengthening our friendship in all fields," Popovic said.

The parties noted the significance of further advancement of cooperation, especially in the context of global economic challenges.

Popovic thanked the ambassador for the Russian Federation's exceptional support for Serbia, especially on the Kosovo-Metohija issue, as well as for its assistance on other international issues, the statement also said, noting that continued strengthening of the "partnership between the two brotherly nations remains our common objective."