Russia to lend $1bn to Serbia

Article reports that Russia has agreed October 2009 to lend $1bn to Serbia to help the cash-strapped Balkan country weather the recession. Russian President Medvedev discussed details of the loan with his Serbian counterpart Boris Tadic in Belgrade on the 19 October 2009. He also underscored the two countries’ growing strategic alliance in the energy sector.

Mr Medvedev headed a delegation of more than 100 Russian political and business leaders for the first visit of a Russian head of state to any former Yugoslav country.

Cultural, religious and linguistic ties run deep between Russia and Serbia. However, Serbia is also increasingly looking westwards, towards European Union integration.

Deutsche Welle, 20.10.09: Medvedev makes first visit to Belgrade as Russian president http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4810672,00.html

ITAR-TASS, 20.10.09: Russia, Serbia sign bilateral agreements after Belgrade summit http://www.itar-tass.com/en/

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