President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, and asked him to convey greetings to President Vladimir Putin, with congratulations on the New Year and Christmas holidays, as well as best wishes for the Russian Federation's progress and prosperity.

President Vučić and Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko stated that last week's detailed talks between the two delegations, during the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, confirmed the strategic commitment of the two countries to continue developing relations in all areas based on exceptional mutual respect.

President Vučić and Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko, based on what was agreed at the meeting with Minister Lavrov, paid particular attention to the implementation of specific joint projects and stated that the works on the gas pipeline through Serbia are nearing completion and that the works executed by RŽD continue on the railway section to Novi Sad.

The two interlocutors also emphasised the importance of the Eternal Flame lighting ceremony at the Liberators of Belgrade's Cemetery. President Vučić once again stressed the shared libertarian tradition of the Serbian and Russian people and their struggle for peace and pointed out there is no more important mission than preserving the truth about that just struggle.

President Vučić and Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko also discussed the results of Russian experts in the fight against COVID-19 and the Russian vaccine.

Belgrade, 24th December 2020