Soviet Union recognized new socialist Yugoslavia (declared on 29 November 1945) was recognized by the USSR on December 19 of the same year. In November 1945 President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito gave an interview to the Times in which he underlined that "Yugoslav people have warm and profound sympathy, friendship and brotherhood with the peoples of Soviet Union. But there is nothing exclusive about it." stressing country's intention to maintain independence.[18] From 1945 till 1948 Yugoslavia signed treaties of friendship and mutual assistance with almost all East European states.[18] Yugoslavia and Soviet Union signed their Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on April 11, 1945 in Moscow.[2] Cominform was initially located in Belgrade.