Russia' Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu told his Serbia's counterpart Nebojsa Stefanovic in Moscow on Wednesday his country was committed to the further development of bilateral cooperation and support in empowering the Army of Serbia (VS) capacities.

Stefanovic, who is on a visit to Russia upon Shoygu’s invitation, said that the two countries planned 91 joint activities this year and invited his counterpart to visit Serbia.

He added that the bilateral cooperation in defence policy has been on a historical maximum, Serbia’s MOD said.

Shoygu said that „Serbia today runs its policies.“

„Only powerful armed forces guarantee country’s independence. We are committed to the continuation of bilateral cooperation of our countries,“ he added.

The strengthening of Serbia’s links with Russia and also China raises some eyebrows in the region and the West, particularly in Brussels, since Belgrade is obliged to adjust its foreign policy to those of the European Union if it wants to join.

Belgrade maintains it runs its independence policies and says the adjustment with the bloc’s rules would be necessary at the end of the accession negotiations.