In a telephone conversation initiated by the Serbian side on December 23, 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held discussions focused on several key international and bilateral issues, including the resolution of the ongoing Kosovo conflict, regional stability, and future cooperation between the two nations.
A significant portion of the dialogue was devoted to the Kosovo issue, with both sides emphasizing the critical importance of upholding United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. This resolution, passed in 1999, remains central to Serbia’s stance on Kosovo, asserting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both Minister Lavrov and President Vucic reiterated the importance of ensuring that Kosovo’s status does not undermine Serbia’s legal and historical rights.
The conversation also addressed the ongoing challenges posed by the government of Pristina, which has continuously obstructed the implementation of agreements, particularly the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo. Both Russia and Serbia denounced the persistent violence and systemic discrimination against ethnic Serbs in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of the ongoing actions by the Kosovo Albanian authorities which infringe on the fundamental rights of the Serbian population.
Minister Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s unwavering support for Serbia, emphasizing that Russia stands in solidarity with Belgrade in defending the rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo, in alignment with international law. The Russian Federation’s position, as underscored by President Vladimir Putin, continues to prioritize Serbia’s territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens.
On the matter of bilateral cooperation, Lavrov and Vucic discussed ongoing and potential collaborations across various sectors, particularly in the oil industry. The two leaders agreed on the need to enhance and diversify their economic ties, even as Western-imposed sanctions continue to challenge both countries’ efforts to pursue independent development. Both sides expressed their commitment to resisting external pressure and continuing cooperation despite efforts to undermine it through unilateral restrictive measures.
The leaders also turned their attention to Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressing concerns over the political situation in the country. Both Lavrov and Vucic emphasized the importance of respecting the framework set out by the Dayton Peace Agreement, which remains essential for maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia. They reiterated the necessity of safeguarding the rights of the country’s constituent peoples and ensuring that the sovereignty of its entities is preserved.
The conversation concluded with both leaders reaffirming the deep historical ties between Russia and Serbia, alongside a mutual commitment to advancing strategic cooperation in a variety of fields, despite the challenges posed by external pressures. The ongoing dialogue is seen as a testament to the strong relationship between the two countries, grounded in shared interests and a mutual respect for international law and sovereignty.
This call further solidifies Russia’s support for Serbia in its efforts to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, while underscoring the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Moscow and Belgrade.