A package of documents was signed following Russian-Serbian talks, including intergovernmental agreements on military technology cooperation, on mutual protection of classified information, and on readmission. The parties also signed a Protocol on the exchange of information on the customs cost of goods moved between Russia and Serbia, a Memorandum of Understanding on energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable sources, and an agreement on reconstruction of certain sections of railways and the supply of diesel trains.
Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic also made press statements.
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Beginning of meeting with Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister,
I agree with you that trade and economic ties between Russia and Serbia are developing quite successfully. The statistics differ slightly, but our figures also show a significant growth in trade: according to our data, we’ve had an increase of about 17% in the first half of this year. In any event, this is a good rate.
Capital investments are growing as well. One of the companies that has attracted Russian investors, NIS, is probably the largest taxpayer in Serbia at this time. Russian investors have already invested $2 billion and are ready to invest another billion, while another of our companies, LUKOIL, has invested over $300 million.
We must diversify our contacts, our economic ties, including in manufacturing, high technologies (we have such options with you) and agriculture. I think that this is a very favourable moment for Serbia to occupy a good niche on the Russian market. Moreover, we could talk specifically about cooperation, and, if the investment process is organised by us, we could discuss possibilities for lending to Serbian agricultural enterprises.
I think that agricultural producers in some European nations would be happy to come to Serbia, invest funds together with Russian investors and produce goods with participation by Serbian producers, including for the Russian market.
Overall, we have much to discuss. I am very happy for the opportunity to discuss all the topics you suggested within the context of the events to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade, including possible supply to the Russian market of automotive products manufactured in Serbia in collaboration with Fiat company. Given our good relations with Italy and Fiat, as well as our very warm, allied, close relations with Serbia, I think we could agree on a certain quota for supplying these vehicles to the Russian market.
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