Politikë

DASH: Serbia's agreement with Russia is wrong

DASH: Serbia's agreement with Russia is wrong

A spokesperson for the US State Department has stated to VOA that the US believes that no country should expand cooperation with Russia while it continues its aggression in Ukraine.

On Friday, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic signed the agreement for mutual "consultations" on foreign policy issues with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The agreement was signed while the two ministers were in New York to attend the session of the United Nations General Assembly.

"The news of this agreement signed with Russia was surprising and in complete contrast to other constructive meetings in New York with Serbian officials. Further rapprochement with Russia is a step in the wrong direction and contrary to Serbia's stated European aspirations," said the State Department spokesman.

Serbia, a candidate for European Union membership, depends on Russia for its natural gas supplies and has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow over its aggression in Ukraine.

"The United States continues to strongly support Serbia's bid for EU membership. Russia clearly does not support EU membership for the countries of the Western Balkans and only seeks to sow division in the region. The future of the Western Balkans lies squarely within the EU and its enlargement promotes peace, stability and long-term progress across the region. "Serbia must accelerate steps to advance its European path, including diversifying energy sources to reduce its energy dependence on Russia and aligning its foreign and security policies with the EU," the spokesman said. of the State Department.