٠٠:٠٥:١٨Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin said that Belgrade would not allow relations with Moscow to 'deteriorate' despite the current political climate, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"We are aware that the voice of Russia is heard in conjunction with that of Serbia. Should the former be silenced, [it could follow that] the latter will also be rendered ineffective. [However] the Serbian people, led by President Vucic, will never allow our relations to deteriorate, which are based on brotherhood and strategic partnership," he said.
Vulin also stressed that Serbia was not only Russia's 'strategic partner', but also an 'ally', claiming that the country would 'never impose' sanctions against Moscow under Vucic's leadership.
"Serbia will not become a part of the anti-Russian hysteria. We respect Russia," Vulin continued.
In turn, Putin emphasised the 'deep roots' of relations between the countries, yet noted a 'decline' in trade and economics.
"I am referring to the deep roots of our relations, the historical roots and the spiritual closeness of the peoples of Russia, the Russian people and the Serbian people. Unfortunately, as far as trade and economic relations are concerned, we are witnessing a decline, albeit a slight one, in the volume of trade turnover. I know that you are dealing with these issues through the Serbian government," Putin said.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.
On the margins of the event, Putin held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Vice Chairman Han Zheng. The leader is also expected to take part in the plenary session.
'Serbia will not become a part of anti-Russian hysteria' - Deputy PM Vulin at talks with Putin
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin said that Belgrade would not allow relations with Moscow to 'deteriorate' despite the current political climate, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"We are aware that the voice of Russia is heard in conjunction with that of Serbia. Should the former be silenced, [it could follow that] the latter will also be rendered ineffective. [However] the Serbian people, led by President Vucic, will never allow our relations to deteriorate, which are based on brotherhood and strategic partnership," he said.
Vulin also stressed that Serbia was not only Russia's 'strategic partner', but also an 'ally', claiming that the country would 'never impose' sanctions against Moscow under Vucic's leadership.
"Serbia will not become a part of the anti-Russian hysteria. We respect Russia," Vulin continued.
In turn, Putin emphasised the 'deep roots' of relations between the countries, yet noted a 'decline' in trade and economics.
"I am referring to the deep roots of our relations, the historical roots and the spiritual closeness of the peoples of Russia, the Russian people and the Serbian people. Unfortunately, as far as trade and economic relations are concerned, we are witnessing a decline, albeit a slight one, in the volume of trade turnover. I know that you are dealing with these issues through the Serbian government," Putin said.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.
On the margins of the event, Putin held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Vice Chairman Han Zheng. The leader is also expected to take part in the plenary session.
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin said that Belgrade would not allow relations with Moscow to 'deteriorate' despite the current political climate, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"We are aware that the voice of Russia is heard in conjunction with that of Serbia. Should the former be silenced, [it could follow that] the latter will also be rendered ineffective. [However] the Serbian people, led by President Vucic, will never allow our relations to deteriorate, which are based on brotherhood and strategic partnership," he said.
Vulin also stressed that Serbia was not only Russia's 'strategic partner', but also an 'ally', claiming that the country would 'never impose' sanctions against Moscow under Vucic's leadership.
"Serbia will not become a part of the anti-Russian hysteria. We respect Russia," Vulin continued.
In turn, Putin emphasised the 'deep roots' of relations between the countries, yet noted a 'decline' in trade and economics.
"I am referring to the deep roots of our relations, the historical roots and the spiritual closeness of the peoples of Russia, the Russian people and the Serbian people. Unfortunately, as far as trade and economic relations are concerned, we are witnessing a decline, albeit a slight one, in the volume of trade turnover. I know that you are dealing with these issues through the Serbian government," Putin said.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.
On the margins of the event, Putin held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Vice Chairman Han Zheng. The leader is also expected to take part in the plenary session.