First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic said today that from a political aspect, yesterday’s visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Belgrade is a step further in strengthening the bonds and friendly relations between the two countries.

Dacic stressed that Putin’s visit is a continuation of previous dialogues, adding that in its foreign policy, Serbia does not only rely on the EU and the United States, but also on Russia, China and other friendly countries which share principled and political stances with Serbia in terms of respecting international law.

He voiced his belief that the economic, cultural and political cooperation between Serbia and Russia can be even firmer, which in no way jeopardises Serbia’s EU path.

Serbia has maintained traditionally good and friendly relations with Russia and the Russian people, which will be further enhanced during President Boris Tadic’s visit to Russia, at which occasion an agreement on strategic partnership may be signed, Dacic observed.

He recalled that Serbia has already signed such an agreement with China and preparations are under way to sign this document with several western states as well.

An agreement on strategic partnership means that the two countries will cherish good overall relations, he explained.

This means that they will be considered partners regardless of certain differences, such as differing political views, size or economic power.

Dacic stated that from the security viewpoint, Putin’s visit went quite well and without any incidents, adding that over 4,600 police and security officer were engaged during the visit.