Medvedev: Russia will help Serbia maintain its sovereignty
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev today took part in ceremonial events marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade in World War II.
Together with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the head of the Russian government attended the Freedom 2019 military parade at the military airport in Batajnica. Military equipment supplied to Serbia from the Russian Federation was also demonstrated: three Mi-17, Mi-35 helicopters, as well as a T-72 tank. Military units equipped with Russian weapons showed their capabilities.
After the parade, Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Serbian Prime Minister Anna Brnabic. The heads of government also emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation in the spirit of anti-fascist values.
“We are grateful to the Russian Federation for its strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, as well as for supporting our country’s position on the membership of the so-called Kosovo in international organizations,” Brnabic said in the conversation.
President Vučić expressed condolences to Russia in connection with the tragedy in the Krasnoyarsk region.
At the end of the visit, Dmitry Medvedev spoke at the People's Assembly (Parliament) of Serbia.
“It is a great honor for me to participate with you on this special day in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from the fascist invaders. I heartily congratulate you and the entire fraternal Serbian people and wish your wonderful country peace, prosperity, freedom and well-being,” Medvedev said.
He thanked the Serbs for preserving the graves of Red Army soldiers and supporting the Immortal Regiment people's movement.
“Serbia, unfortunately, has experienced first-hand the consequences of actions that are carried out in contradiction and in violation of international law. I mean the events of 1999. Russia supported then and now supports the Serbian people and is ready to provide you with all the necessary assistance in preserving your sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are exclusively interested in a peaceful resolution of the existing problem on the basis of United Nations Security Council resolution number 1244. And we want the situation in the Balkans to remain stable and safe,” Medvedev said.
He also thanked Serbia for its principled refusal to join sanctions against Russia.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation between Russia and Serbia in the field of agriculture, railways, as well as in the construction of the Turkish Stream.
“Our peoples want to communicate. About 70 thousand Russian tourists come to Serbia, about 60 thousand Serbs come to us. Today we will hand over a page of Miroslav’s Gospel to the Serbian side,” Medvedev said.
He added that Russian scientists will continue to help in the construction of the Church of St. Sava, and stressed that Russia has deep respect for the Serbian Orthodox Church, which celebrates the 800th anniversary of autocephaly this year.
“I am convinced that this temple will become another symbol of our friendship,” Medvedev said. “In the minds of the Russian people, the Serbs are a fraternal people, and in this the Orthodox faith binds us.”
After finishing his speech in parliament, the Russian politician laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial at the Liberators Cemetery in Belgrade.
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