Russia and Serbia maintain a special relationship based on historical, ethnic and religious connections, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Speaking to Izvestia on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Peskov described Serbia as one of Russia’s key partners and highlighted the longstanding bonds between the two nations.
“We have special historical relations with the Serbs, special ethnic relations, and a special relationship based on faith,” Peskov said.
He added that despite these close ties, Serbia remains a sovereign state that independently determines its political direction and responds to its own challenges.
“Serbia is an independent country that chooses its own path of development, faces its own difficulties, and independently responds to the challenges it faces,” he stated.
Peskov noted that the relationship between Moscow and Belgrade is built on partnership, allowing both countries to discuss important issues and maintain close cooperation.
“Serbia is truly a country with which we have partnership relations. That partnership allows us to discuss the most pressing issues,” he said.
The Kremlin spokesman made the comments while discussing Russia’s relations with political leaders and partners in Europe. Referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Peskov said Orbán has always pursued policies that he believes are in Hungary’s national interest.
“He was a friend of the Hungarian people and did what was beneficial for Hungary. Often those interests coincided with ours. When interests coincide between states, that is partnership,” Peskov said.
His remarks underscored the traditionally close relationship between Russia and Serbia, which Moscow often describes as being rooted in common Slavic heritage, Orthodox Christianity, historical ties and political cooperation.
The statement comes as Serbia continues to balance its European Union aspirations with its longstanding relations with Russia, one of its closest international partners.
