First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic and Minister of Defence Zoran Djordjevic met today in Belgrade the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexander Chepurin, with the aim of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

It was noted that the cooperation so far had been mutually successful and that its continuation was expected in all important areas, in the mutual interest.

The interlocutors discussed the current situation, humanitarian operations carried out by the Russian Federation, and other aspects of both regional and global political and security situation.

Ambassador Chepurin pointed out that he expected the enhancement of cooperation in all areas, in line with the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries, adding that the engagement of the Russian Federation on the establishment of humanitarian corridors demonstrated that the goal of those operations was exclusively of a humanitarian nature, and was aimed at saving lives and preventing the suffering of innocent and vulnerable civilians.

Ministers Dacic and Djordjevic highlighted in the talks Serbia's principled position regarding the respect of the territorial integrity of all Member States of the United Nations, and the support to all international activities in building and maintaining global peace and security. This particularly comes into prominence in the area of humanitarian operations and the protection of innocent civilians in regions affected by armed conflict, from anguish and suffering.

Particularly having in mind its own experience from the not too distant past, the Republic of Serbia has given the best example of its humane treatment of civilians during the unfolding migration crisis, thus being commended by the entire international community.

Regardless of the complex economic situation, the Government of the Republic of Serbia will reflect on the possibilities for collecting humanitarian aid, as a contribution to the successful outcome of the humanitarian operations undertaken by the Russian Federation.

Gratitude for the support lent by the Russian side to the Serbian foreign-policy priorities was also highlighted in the meeting, along with the understanding of the parallel maintenance of good relations with all partners, both in the East and the West, and in Serbia's EU accession process, which constitutes its foreign-policy priority. Serbia will continue to implement the policy of military neutrality and will continue to cooperate with all partners both in the East and the West.