The Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Russian Federation, Igor Braunovic, and the PFG members met with the Deputy Chairperson of the of the Committee on International Affairs of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Yelena Afanasyeva.
In an open and constructive conversation, the officials discussed current topics of importance for bilateral relations between Serbia and the Russian Federation, with a special focus on economic cooperation and energy stability. They exchanged views on the impact of the sanctions imposed on the Russian energy sector, especially in the area of gas supply. Both sides expressed hope that the current energy issues, including the situation in NIS, will be resolved in the interests of both the Serbian and Russian sides.
PFG Head Igor Braunovic, stressed that, regardless of the global circumstances, the brotherly relations with Russia cannot be called into question, adding that Serbia remains open and ready for any type of cooperation with the Russian Federation. He stressed the importance of open communication with all partners and expressed his belief that strengthening and intensifying interparliamentary cooperation can play an important role in finding solutions of mutual interest.
The Deputy Chairperson of the of the Committee on International Affairs of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Yelena Afanasyeva assessed that there is a stable basis to continue the institutional cooperation and that the dialogue between the parliaments is an important segment of preserving good relations between the peoples of the two countries. She emphasised that relations between Russia and Serbia remain stable and friendly, regardless of current events, and stressed that Serbia will always have a sincere partner and support in Russia. She also pointed out the noticeably present negative media rhetoric in Serbia regarding the issue related to NIS and expressed her belief that the situation will be clarified and presented to the public in an objective light.
The meeting was attended by members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Russia Zagorka Aleksic, Ugljesa Mrdic and Ivana Stamatovic.