Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, it is a great pleasure for me to convey to you our most heartfelt wishes on behalf of the people's deputies of Serbia's National Assembly, elected by Serbian citizens, and from me personally. Welcome to the House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. I welcome you and the friendly people of Russia.

Relations between Russia and Serbia in the political, economic and cultural spheres and on security issues set a good example of relations between two friendly nations, in which one nation respects the other and treats it as a partner regardless of its size, economic might, or any other measure.

The Russian Federation is a large country, and not only in terms of area and population, but also in terms of its cultural heritage, history, important figures, and the significant efforts the country has made to safeguard international law, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Russia, on behalf of myself and the National Assembly of Serbia, for the principled position it has taken towards Serbia's territorial integrity, both as a friendly nation and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Serbia is making huge efforts to overcome its economic difficulties. Our well-developed economic relations with Russia are a great help as we work to overcome the current crisis as soon as possible and with the least amount of economic losses possible.

I am sure that your visit will provide a new, even stronger impetus to further develop our countries' economic ties for the benefit of our peoples.

As you know, Mr Prime Minister, one of Serbia's strategic goals is to rapidly join the European Union. We are trying to take the biggest steps we can in this direction. This National Assembly plays a role in this process. At the same time, Serbia wants to advance relations with all states, and that is precisely what we are doing. Progress in the world can be made only if the principles of international law are upheld. Serbia strongly believes this. Parliamentary diplomacy also plays a significant role for us.

I would like to inform you about the cooperation between Serbia's National Assembly and the Russian parliament, which I discussed with Mr Gryzlov during my visit to Moscow. That cooperation is moving along well. I would be really happy to see even greater progress in Russia-Serbia relations at all levels. These kinds of ties between nations give an addition boost to the development of relations on all levels. Mr Putin, I give you the floor. I'm sure that after your address a representative of each party in the National Assembly would like to make a statement. Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I'd like to say that it is a pleasure for me to be here.

Our visit has been very successful. We have made significant progress in the development of our trade and economic relations over the past few years, while also maintaining our political ties. And this is natural, because the peoples of Russia and Serbia have historically enjoyed a special, trusting and close relationship. Today I met with the president and the prime minister of Serbia. I would like to mention that this special attitude towards Serbia exists at the political level in all Russian parties and public organisations.

You surely know your counterparts from the State Duma very well. I don't know of a single party – even among those that are not represented in the State Duma – that does not feel warm feelings for your country and that does not support the development of Russian-Serbian relations. There is truly a national consensus. I believe that ties between our countries' parliaments as well as our political and parliamentary parties should be expanded. Moreover, direct interaction can be established between various divisions and commissions of the parliaments. This will allow us to work more effectively on European issue and to formulate coordinated positions. We would welcome this. And we will be supporting this work in the Russian government. Thank you for your attention.