OREANDA-NEWS   Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the country is always open to contacts with Serbia, although he understands its "strong employment." He wrote about this in a congratulatory telegram to his Serbian colleague Ivica Dacic on the occasion of the New Year holidays and the birthday of the head of the department, writes TASS.

The Russian minister added that in 2022, relations between the countries "once again passed the test of strength," despite the difficult international circumstances.

Lavrov declared readiness "to maintain high dynamics of interaction" between the foreign ministries of Serbia and Russia. He also said that Moscow is ready to continue to provide "fraternal support" to Belgrade in defending legitimate national interests.

Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that in 2022 everyone could be convinced of Belgrade's position on anti-Russian sanctions. According to him, the country will introduce them only if its vital interests are threatened. He also compared Serbia to a tribe of Gauls from the universe of comics about Asterix and Obelix. Like him, Belgrade does not give up and protects its freedom as much as it can.