First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met with his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Serbia was strongly committed to the further development of political relations with Russia, based on a strategic partnership, and that both sides were ready to further deepen relations in all areas.

At the joint press conference, Minister Dacic expressed gratitude to Russia for its consistent support to the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and its efforts to resolve the issue of Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful means, through dialogue without extortion and favoritism towards either side, especially with regard to Western partners. Minister Dacic noted that some take issue with the development of relations between Serbia and Russia, China or some other friendly country and that no one can choose Serbia's friends on behalf of Belgrade.
Following the talks with Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow supported the rights of Serbia in Kosovo and that the "still valid" United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 was of fundamental importance in resolving the issue. Minister Lavrov stated that he exchanged information with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic concerning the resolution of the Kosovo crisis and that he shared Serbia's concerns.