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

Ambassador Chepurin handed a congratulatory message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov addressed to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia.

"Please accept my cordial felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Serbia – the Statehood Day.

The level of confidence and high dynamic of Russian-Serbian contacts convincingly demonstrate that the relations between our two countries have been developing in a continued and productive manner.

I am convinced that the traditions of friendship and mutual support established centuries ago, of fundamental importance to the present day, will continue to immutably contribute to the further deepening of bilateral ties in all areas. This is in full harmony with the interests of the people of Russia and Serbia and contributes to the strengthening of security in the Balkan region.

I wish you good health, well-being and success in all your undertakings", Minister Lavrov's message says.

At today's meeting, activities and plans for the further development of bilateral cooperation in the period ahead were also discussed, focusing in particular on the forthcoming visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov to Belgrade, on 21 and 22 February, to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Russia.