BELGRADE, October 16 (RIA Novosti) - Serbian leader Tomislav Nikolic on Thursday awarded Russian President Vladimir Putin with Serbia’s highest decoration to honor his contribution to stronger ties between the two nations.
The ceremony to present Vladimir Putin with the Order of the Republic of Serbia, First Class, took place on the margins of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation from Nazi occupation in WWII, which the Russia leader attended earlier in the day.
Nikolic addressed his Russian counterpart, saying “the people of Serbia are proud to see you awarded with Serbia’s highest decoration.”
Putin replied by stressing he hardly deserved the honor and vowed that Russia would continue to regard Serbia as its “closest relative” and a trusted ally. He pledged to do everything to step up cooperation between Moscow and Belgrade.
Vladimir Putin flew to Beldrage earlier in the day to be a guest of honor at the first military parade in Serbia in nearly 30 years.
Russia and Serbia have a history of cooperation. The most recent instance includes the Russia-led South Stream gas pipeline project bypassing Ukraine, which is estimated to bring Serbia $2.5 million in investments, according to President Putin.
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