Russia, Serbia practically resolve all gas supply issues, Belgrade to pay one of lowest prices - Deputy PM Borisov

ST. PETERSBURG. June 16 (Interfax) - Russia has helped ensure Serbia's energy independence, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said.

"You know that we have helped ensure the energy security of Serbia. I know that we have resolved practically all gas supply issues, and you will be paying one of the most attractive prices as our partner, a fraternal nation," Borisov said at a meeting with Serbian Minister of Innovations and Technological Development Nenad Popovic on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"We are monitoring the development of the political situation in Serbia very closely. We hope that continuity of the course towards deepening the Russian-Serbian strategic partnership, which is particularly important under the current circumstances, will be provided after the formation of a new government," he said.

Borisov and Popovic co-chair the Russian-Serbian Intergovernmental Commission.

"We appreciate Serbia's decision not to join the sanctions imposed on Russia by unfriendly countries. We understand the difficulties you are experiencing in this connection, and we know that the European Union has been pressuring you," Borisov said.

Russia and Serbia will find a way to maintain the proper level of interaction, he said.

The Serbian minister said, for his part, that Belgrade could count on an economic growth in case of accessible gas prices.

"That will contribute to the energy security and the economic growth of Serbia," he said.

"Rest assured that we are firm about the non-imposition of sanctions," Popovic said.