Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Mrkic congratulates his Russian colleague Sergey Lavrov on Russia Day, wishing further progress of the Russian Federation and prosperity of its people.

"The traditional friendship between our peoples and the attested readiness to enhance the overall relations between our countries through mutual support and understanding, strongly reaffirmed in the recent talks between our Presidents and by the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, assure me that we will continue to develop, successfully and to the mutual satisfaction, comprehensive cooperation in all areas", says Mrkic in his message of congratulation.

In the message, the Serbian Foreign Minister also reiterated his special gratitude to the Russian Federation for its unwavering support to Serbia's efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, peacefully and through diplomacy, as well as for Russia's selfless support to our people and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija.