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| Edi Rama and Sergey Lavrov shaking hands in Moscow |
The Albanian prime minister's comment was a reaction to Russia's stance that does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
Minister Lavrov said his country promotes dialogue between the parties and would support an acceptable agreement by both countries, while blaming Kosovo for failing to respect the agreements reached, citing that of establishing an association of Serb municipalities.
For his part, Prime Minister Rama insisted that it is in everyone's interest and that of Serbia itself to recognize Kosovo.
Mr. Rama was in Moscow as the next OSCE chairman-in-office. The focus of the talks was the crisis in Ukraine, but the parties discussed also bilateral relations at low levels.
Lavrov said progress in bilateral relations had been hampered by Albania's stance in line with those of the European Union, which has imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Prime Minister Rama responded that Albania is a proud member of NATO and a proud ally of the United States and the European Union, and that it stands fully in line with its great friends, as well as in the case of the sanctions.
Mr. Rama specified that this is a choice that Albania has made with its will and not a forced one.
"I don't think Russia is an enemy to anyone with whom we are on the side," he said.
"That is why we have so many things we can see without pretending to change the foundations of each other,” Mr. Rama underlined.