Yugoslav Prime Minister: Russia, Yugoslavia need high dynamics of economic relations

Russia and Yugoslavia need a high and precise dynamics of economic relations, Zoran Zizic, Prime Minister of Yugoslavia, stated Tuesday in his interview with RIA Novosti before his official visit to Moscow. According to him, the objective of his visit is to develop bilateral relations, especially in the economic sphere. Mr Zizic noted that the economic ties between the two countries cannot be called satisfactory either in the structure, or volume, or quality. He reported his intention to discuss with the Russian leadership the problem of a huge trade deficit in Russia-Yugoslavia relations. The official Belgrade is interested in cooperation in the energy sphere, specifically, deliveries of oil, petroleum products and natural gas. By the end of the second quarter a session of the intergovernmental committee on economic cooperation should be held, the premier said. The Yugoslav side will be represented by Miroljub Labus, Federal Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia. Zoran Zizic stressed that Yugoslavia "highly appreciates Russia's contribution, understanding and assistance in overcoming energy problems of the country, which is currently of key importance, since there would be no production without this." Along with economic relations, the head of the Cabinet believes, it is necessary to develop other, first of all, spiritual and cultural ties which may serve as a solid basis for overcoming the crisis by our countries, he noted. Zoran Zizic is convinced that Russia may play a special role in restoration of Yugoslavia which needs to build considerable parts of infrastructure after the NATO aggression. "We are interested in both joint construction of new objects and joint performance in the third-countries' markets," he said. Zoran Zizic emphasised that for his country the stance of the Russian diplomacy is of principal importance, since it advocates maintaining Yugoslavia's territorial integrity on the international arena.

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