First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Belgrade, Alexander Chepurin.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on his own behalf, the Minister conveyed his condolences to the Russian side following the tragic loss of many human lives, the citizens of Russia, in a plane crash over the Black Sea, including great friends of Serbia - members of the Alexandrov band.

The interlocutors summed up the results of the two countries' successful cooperation in 2016 and looked at the schedule of future regular contacts between the high officials of the two countries, contributing to the overall development of their bilateral political and economic relations.

On this occasion, Ambassador Chepurin conveyed to FDPM/MFA of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic a letter from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which reads as follows:

"Dear Mr. Minister, Dear Ivica,

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from the bottom of my heart.

The year behind us has been marked with an active enhancement of the strategic partnership between Russia and Serbia, in the interest of our countries and peoples. The numerous contacts established at all levels, the implementation of joint projects and the plans of future joint action are a solid foundation for the successful development of the Russia-Serbia relations in the years to come.

I avail myself of this opportunity to express my gratitude for the warm reception bestowed on me during my visit to Belgrade on 12-13 December. I am looking forward to our follow-up meetings next year, with the aim of maintaining our meaningful exchange of views and coordination of action in the international arena. I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year."