Moscow, May 8 (RHC) -– Serbia "cannot renounce its old friendships with Cuba and Russia," Tomislav Nikolic said on Friday as he met with Raul Castro in Moscow.

In conversations with his Cuban counterpart, the Serbian president said that the two nations share similar freedom-loving feelings and commitment to peace, according to a BETA news agency report.

For his part, Raul Castro said he was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Nikolic, "who comes from a country that cherishes sincere friendship toward Cuba and the Cuban people."

Nikolic will begin his official visit to Havana on May 18th, where he will be received by Cuban officials to discuss promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Both presidents are in Moscow for Victory Day celebrations. Earlier on Thursday, the Cuban president met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.