Russian Ambassador: Serbo-Russian Relations, Kosovo, Economic Priorities on Lavrov’s Agenda during Belgrade Visit

Aleksandar Bocan Harcenko Russia (Photo: YouTube)

Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko has said that the main topics of talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Belgrade officials will be Serbo-Russian relations, the question of Kosovo, and bilateral economic projects.

The ambassador told the Vecernje Novosti daily on Dec. 14 that a detailed deliberation on the entirety of the Serbo-Russian relations has been planned, as well as the assessment of stands of both sides on the current events in the region and international topics, with an emphasis on the resolution of the Kosovo question.

“Bilateral economic projects are on the agenda – the finalization of the Serbian section of the TurkStream pipeline; the construction of the complex structures of the Belgrade-Novi Sad fast rail; the modernization of the Djerdap 1 hydroelectric power plant, the founding of the Center of Nuclear Science, Technology and Innovation,” Botsan-Kharchenko said.On Dec. 14, Lavrov started his tour of the region with a visit to Republika Srpska, while his visit to Belgrade has yet to be officially announced.

Botsan-Kharchenko also said that “an important item [on Lavrov’s agenda during his visit to Belgrade] will be the lighting of the eternal flame at the Cemetery of Belgrade Liberators, using the flame from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.” The Russian media have already announced the transportation of the flame for Dec. 15.

 When asked if and when Serbia can expect a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Botsan-Kharchenko answered that “the possibility of President Putin’s visit to Belgrade being organized will be considered, given the open invitation from the Serbian side and the situation.”