STRENGTHEN SERBIA'S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL POSITION, AS WELL AS TIES WITH RUSSIA

BELGRADE/MOSCOW, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ – Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu wished the Serbian people success in the upcoming parliamentary elections, expressing hope that the outcome would strengthen Serbia's economic and political standing and further deepen its ties with Russia.

At a meeting between Shoigu and Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić in Moscow, the two countries were described as brotherly and friendly nations whose ties would endure. It was noted that their relationship had weathered major challenges, particularly attempts by the West to exert pressure.

Dačić said cooperation would continue after Serbia's elections, adding that the brotherly friendship between the two peoples was rooted in centuries of shared experience.

Regarding Brussels' demand that Serbia impose sanctions on Russia, Dačić stressed that friendship between Serbia and the Russian Federation must not be undermined and that doing so would not serve Serbia's interests.

"I hope the world will finally understand that it should move toward easing tensions rather than escalating them. All these talks between the United States and Russia are opening up different paths and prospects from those some had envisioned," Dačić told RT Balkan.