Zakharova: Moscow is watching Serbia closely ahead of elections, praises Vučić’s ‘personal contribution’

Russia is closely following the situation in Serbia, where elections will be held at the end of October, and confirms its readiness for close cooperation with Belgrade on all issues, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said today, as Nova.rs reports.

“We are closely following the situation in friendly Serbia, which is preparing for early parliamentary and then presidential elections,” says Zakharova’s comment published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website, according to Nova.rs.

The Russian spokeswoman added that Moscow confirms its readiness to continue close, substantive cooperation with Serbia’s leadership on all bilateral, regional and international agenda issues. “Our relations rest on strong brotherly traditions, a similar worldview and respect for true values. We are convinced that the continuity of relations will serve the national interests of both countries, as well as the strengthening of peace and stability in the Balkans,” Zakharova said.

Moscow wishes success and prosperity to the citizens of Serbia, who will have to make an important choice, she said, praising the “personal contribution” of former president Aleksandar Vučić to the development of relations between the two countries, which are maintained at a high level “under conditions of continued strong pressure on Belgrade, which is vainly demanded to give up friendship with Russia,” as the Interfax agency quoted by Nova.rs transmits.