Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, reiterated at a special session of the Serbian Parliament that Russia and Serbia share the understanding of the strict principles of international law and that an example of constructive political cooperation is the resolving of the Kosovo issue. Addressing the Serbian MPs, Medvedev stressed that Serbia’s EU entry will not adversely affect relations between Russia and Serbia. Serbia’s membership in the EU can only contribute to the traditionally good Serbian-Russian relations, Medvedev said, adding that it is important for Russia that the new EU countries develop good relations with Moscow. He thanked the Serbian people for their responsible and noble attitude towards World War II. It is not necessary to explain to Serbs on whose side justice was at the time, Medvedev said while adding that at the time the Russians and Serbs fought bravely against fascism, and that the memory of this fi ght must be preserved for those who are now trying to rewrite history to achieve their own personal and political interests. Medvedev is fi rst foreign statesman who addressed the MPs since Serbia became an independent state.
Foreign media on Medvedev’s visit to Belgrade
In the fi rst reactions to the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Belgrade, both Western and Russian media agree in opinion that it is focused on economic issues. The media also indicate the ability of Serbian President Boris Tadic and Serbia to, as stated, “play skillfully on both sides,” strategically approaching Russia and China, without jeopardizing the European perspective. With the statement that Russia opposes unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence, it is stressed that Belgrade wants to present Medvedev’s visit as signifi cant as possible, but at the same time to remain in its diplomatic course. For now, it is said, such diplomacy is successful due to the fact that only 62 countries have recognized Kosovo’s independence, and that Belgrade has assumed the role of leader of the Third World countries. The media reminds that Medvedev is also bringing Serbia the assistance worth 1 billion Euros, which is almost equal to the forthcoming IMF loan that would allow it to fi ll part of the budget defi - cit. Russian newspapers assess that the aim of Medvedev’s fi rst visit to Serbia is Russian expansion, primarily in terms of economic presence, but that the Kosovo issue is also on the agenda.
Russians want Serbian companies to build in Sochi
October 19, 2009 - Russian Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Belgrade that the Russian Government is interested in having Serbian companies involved in building facilities for the Winter Games in Sochi 2014. At the meeting Shoigu had with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, and ministers of energy and infrastructure, Peter Skundric and Milutin Mrkonjic respectively, it was stated that in the past six months a remarkable progress was achieved in implementation of the gas-oil arrangement of Serbia and Russia. The cooperation of the Serbian government with representatives of Gazprom and the Serbian Oil Company management was underlined as very good, which created conditions to commence reconstruction of the enterprise. Dacic suggested that all issues in the implementation of projects of the Russian-Serbian Committee are resolved by expert groups during the session of the Intergovernmental Committee. Mrkonjic stressed the importance of building a Cargo Center, fi nding a strategic partner for Jat Airlines, the loan for the Serbian Railways and infrastructure projects, while Skundric reminded that the reconstruction of the hydroelectric power station Djerdap commenced and that deadlines for the implementation of the contract will be shortened, it was communicated from the Serbian government.
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