Russia and Serbia sign a series of bilateral agreements

[News_Editor]

Russia and Serbia sign a series of bilateral agreements

2011-03-24 05:14:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

BELGRADE, SERBIA (BNO NEWS) -- Russia and Serbia on Wednesday signed a series of agreements on cooperation in energy, transportation and tourism, the state-run Tanjug news agency reported.

The deals were signed in the presence of Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin who is visiting the Balkan nation. Putin also met with President Boris Tadic.

The two countries signed agreements on inter-governmental tourism, scientific and technical cooperation, and an international road service. In addition, Putin revealed that the Russian government is considering issuing an $800 million loan to Serbia for railway projects.

President Tadic remarked that Russia's previous loan of $200 million helped Serbia with coping with a severe economic crisis. The Serbian leader added that the two sides have great potential of cooperation in the field of agriculture and energy.

On the other hand, Putin discussed with Tadic the participation of Serbia in the Russian South Stream gas pipeline project. Tadic assured the PM that the project will be implemented in coming years as it is important for the whole European Union and not only to the region.

"I do not see the possibility that the EU solve its energy needs without cooperation with Russia and I am sure that Serbia will be part of that arrangement," President Tadic highlighted.

Tadic added that for several months Russia and Serbia have been developing a strategic partnership agreement that is expected to be signed this year. According to Tadic, this deal will be the "crown of the relations" between the two states.

In regards to Serbia's membership with the EU and the dispute with Kosovo, Putin said that Russia is and will remain a close ally of the Balkan country. He said that the supports the recently started dialogue as it represents the will of the Serbian people.

"Russia was and will remain an ally of Serbia when it comes to Kosovo and Metohija and does not need to explain the reasons for it. They derive from the historical ties and proximity of the two countries," Putin said.

Serbia is in the process of joining the EU. The Balkan country officially applied for European Union membership in December 2009. The EU and Serbia agreed on a Stability and Association Agreement in 2008 and was ratified in January.

In February 2008, Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia. A total of 69 out of 192 UN member states have recognized it as an independent state. However, Serbia, Russia, China, India and some others have not, saying international law was violated.

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