Today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced an agreement between Russia and Serbia to enhance their energy cooperation.

“We are currently facing a challenge where those accustomed to unfair competition are attempting to disrupt our joint project, NIS, through sanctions aimed at hindering our collaboration with Russia. Thus, we have reached a consensus with our Serbian counterparts to persist in our cooperation to safeguard our mutual interests,” Lavrov remarked to reporters following his meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić.

He underscored that Russia is Serbia’s principal supplier of natural gas, catering to 85% of its requirements.

“We have consistently supported our Serbian partners with reliable energy supplies. Our mutually advantageous collaboration is unwelcome to Western powers, who are trying to alter the market dynamics using unethical methods. They are employing unjust tactics also noted in EU nations, where they are pushing out affordable Russian gas to replace it with more expensive American liquefied gas,” he expressed.

Lavrov highlighted that both Russia and Serbia are “confronting an unjust struggle” due to efforts to impose sanctions on the joint enterprise, NIS.

He confirmed that Russia is poised to bolster its cooperation, particularly in light of Serbia’s “significant plans for modernizing its transport infrastructure related to the specialized Expo 2027 exhibition” happening in Belgrade.

In his remarks to journalists, Lavrov criticized “the attempts at destabilizing Serbia.”

“We back the Serbian President’s endeavors to maintain stability in the country. The President presented concrete evidence of foreign interference. We denounce this approach and insist that the principle of non-interference in a nation’s internal matters should be respected by all, especially by our Western colleagues,” Lavrov stated.

“I reiterated Russia’s commitment to uphold Serbia’s legitimate interests regarding Kosovo, and we will advocate that this issue remains a top priority in the Security Council. We are united with our Serbian allies in stating that Security Council Resolution 1244 (from 1999) remains vital in resolving the Kosovo issue and is entirely applicable,” concluded Lavrov.

The discussion between the Russian and Serbian ministers also covered the state of Southeast Europe, with Lavrov affirming Moscow’s support for the Serbian leadership in fostering constructive, neighborly relations.

On Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lavrov emphasized that both Serbia and Russia share the belief that the Dayton Agreement should be honored.

They also explored cultural and economic partnerships, international cooperation, and the Kosovo situation during their talks.

Highlighting the successful initiatives of the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center in Niš, Lavrov pointed out its effective response to natural disasters. He mentioned that the construction of a training facility using Russian equipment is nearing completion, which will make the Center a unique regional hub for training civil protection experts.

Lavrov announced that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is scheduled to visit Moscow in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić stated today, following his discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, that it is critical for Serbia to “have the assurance of support from its Russian allies concerning stable natural gas supplies.”

“We do not wish for Serbia’s citizens to be the collateral damage of any sanctions,” Djuric articulated during a joint press conference post-meeting with Lavrov.

He remarked that ensuring the well-being of citizens is paramount, especially regarding any sanctions against the Oil Industry of Serbia (NiS), and confirmed that the discussions on this matter would continue, with President Vučić planning to converse with Russian officials on the issue in the coming days.

Currently on a two-day official visit to Russia, Djuric underscored that Serbia has refrained from imposing sanctions against the Russian Federation, noting that President Vučić reiterated yesterday that Serbia will not impose such sanctions and will uphold its historical ties with Russia.

Djuric also mentioned that Lavrov and he delved into strategic political discussions, accentuating Serbia’s pursuit of an independent and autonomous policy based on the people’s aspirations for a free and sovereign nation.

He expressed gratitude to Russia for its “firm and principled stance regarding the issues of Kosovo and Metohija” and for endorsing Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Djuric recalled that on this very day, 17 years ago, “international law was violated concerning Kosovo and Metohija, resulting in an illegal unilateral declaration of independence by the so-called Kosovo.”

He expressed optimism that “significant changes within the international community will create greater opportunities” to resolve the issue “in accordance with international law and in a civilized manner.”

Emphasizing that Serbia, while “pursuing its European path, will not forget or neglect its traditional friendships,” he affirmed that it remains committed to fostering constructive relations with the Russian Federation and other global partners.

Furthermore, Djuric reiterated Serbia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of all conflicts and conveyed Serbia’s readiness to host discussions regarding Ukraine, hoping that “peace will soon return to the European continent.”

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