Russia expects to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Serbia following snap parliamentary elections, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced.
The statement from Moscow came after the opposition movement Student List: Students Win secured victory in snap parliamentary elections held in Serbia on October 25. Former president Aleksandar Vucic announced that the coalition he led had suffered defeat in the contest.
In an official commentary published on the diplomatic ministry's website, Zakharova said Moscow hopes the incoming Serbian leadership will maintain the accumulated positive resource between the two nations. She noted that Russia counts on Belgrade to preserve those ties once state governing bodies are established following the vote.
Zakharova added that Russia is seeking to pursue equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with Serbia. She emphasised that Serbia remains a traditionally friendly country for Russia, pointing out that Moscow maintains broad ties with the nation across political, economic, cultural, historical and humanitarian spheres.
Diplomatic ties between Moscow and Belgrade
Serbia, situated in southeastern Europe on the Balkan peninsula, has long maintained close diplomatic and cultural connections with the Russian Federation. The two nations share deep historical bonds and common Slavic heritage, and both possess predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian populations.
Belgrade has sought membership in the European Union while simultaneously preserving partnerships with Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry, based in Moscow, directs the country's international diplomacy, with Zakharova serving as director of its Information and Press Department.
Political transition after the election
The October 25 election delivered victory to the Student List: Students Win movement over the governing bloc. Vucic, who led the coalition into the snap parliamentary campaign, publicly acknowledged the loss and confirmed that his political alliance had suffered defeat.
Following the vote, the immediate focus turns to the formation of new state governing bodies in Serbia. Zakharova stated that Russia counts on the incoming leadership to preserve accumulated diplomatic progress and maintain the line toward equal, mutually beneficial cooperation.
