MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Belgrade intends to better its ties with Russia across the board, Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday.

"This is a very important visit for us. It serves as a validation of our good relationship. Our aim is to further improve our relations in every possible segment," Ivica Dacic said in apparent reference to the visit of Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin.

He further thanked Moscow for supporting Belgrade in achieving its top priority goals.

"Serbia is very thankful to Russia for the friendly support of its top priorities, namely the defense of our territorial integrity and sovereignty," the top diplomat said.

"The visit by President Vucic with President Putin is very important as it signifies that next year, which will mark the 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, will be celebrated in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation," he added.

On Tuesday, President Putin is set to hold talks with this Serbian counterpart, who is currently on his working trip to Moscow until December 20.