Russia considers Macedonia its key partner in the mission of stabilizing the Balkans, Russia's foreign chief Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with his Macedonian counterpart, Mr. Nikola Poposki, who arrived in Moscow for a round of talks.

- We have a history of good relationships, there are no unsolved issues. There is considerable potential, and we should focus our efforts to help its realization, Mr. Lavrov said underscoring the importance of stronger ties with Macedonia, ITAR TASS and the Voice of Russia report.

Russia opposes any redrawing of borders in Europe, in particular, in the Balkans, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

- We are against redrawing borders in Europe. Everybody should comply with the principles of the Helsinki Charter. This also concerns the situation in the Balkans, Mr. Lavrov said.

Lavrov recalled that much blood was shed in the Balkans. "Nobody wants to see recurrence of such scenarios."

Foreign minister Poposki assured that Skopje did not support nationalism and redrawing of borders. - Such activities will not lead to stability in the region, Poposki said.

Macedonia sets a good example of peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians, representatives of different nations, he said.

- The Balkan states are small and their interest is to seek integration and transparency, Mr. Poposki stated.

At the meeting Minister Poposki urged for bolstering cooperation with Russia in economic sphere, opportunity for direct Russian investments and especially building a leg of South Stream gas pipeline for gas distribution in Macedonia.

He also underlined the importance of the meeting between Russian and Macedonian prime ministers Vladimir Putin and Nikola Gruevski which was held on June 2012 in St. Petersburg.

Mr. Lavrov and Poposki at today's meeting also signed agreement on opening cultural centres in Moscow and Skopje and plan for consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.