President Aleksandar Vucic has received Leonid Slutsky, the chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the Russian Federation's State Duma. They met in Belgrade and discussed further development of Serbia-Russia cooperation in all areas, the president's press service announced on Tuesday.

Vucic said that he was honored to meet with President Putin in Beijing recently for the second time this year, as each of their meetings confirms the high degree of understanding and trust, which characterizes relations between Serbia and Russia.

He expressed his gratitude for the firm and active support of Russia in defending the integrity and independence of Serbia, and its state and national interests.

Slutsky said that Moscow is proud of the relationship between the two countries, that is as close as can be, stressing that Russia will always support Serbia's positions, especially when it comes to Kosovo and Metohija.

Vucic informed the Duma official about the development of the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, particularly about a number of measures taken by the Pristina authorities, that have - besides the delay in the dialogue - caused a deterioration of the living conditions for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

Vucic said that the dialogue can only be continued if Pristina abolishes its unreasonable taxes imposed on Serbian goods, and that Serbia will always be committed to a policy of peace and stability.

See at: https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2019&mm=05&dd=21&nav_id=106876