Jovan Palalić: Russia and Serbia Enjoy a Long History of Cooperation and Understanding

Russia’s active political presence in the region has always strengthened the Serbian people’s position, says Jovan Palalić, a member of the Serbian parliamentary delegation to the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.

The parliamentarian spoke about Serbia’s interest in creating and building a multipolar world order and assessed the prospects for the development of Russia–Serbia relations.

“In geopolitical terms, we are literally caught in a ‘perfect storm.’ In 2021, Joe Biden’s Democratic administration came to power in the US, which was a real disaster for us, given our previous experience with the Democrats. This is the administration that bombed us in 1999. Although we have never had particularly good relations with the Americans, the Republicans have never put so much pressure on us and have never been too interested in the Balkans at all. Angela Merkel’s leave and the formation of a new government in Germany was another serious issue for us as Madam Merkel has always demonstrated an understanding of our interests. The new government in Berlin, on the other hand, is fully controlled by Washington and follows the directives of the US administration without question. The third negative factor is the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, which has naturally led to a decrease in Moscow’s much needed political activity in the Balkans,” said Mr Palalić.

The Serbian deputy also spoke about the need for further efforts to form a new multipolar world order.

“Our pro-western government once agreed to move the negotiation process from the Security Council to the current format, a decision that is hard to change now. But such a possibility cannot be completely ruled out. The only question is when the new world order will really be established. It is very important for Serbia as a country that wants to conduct an independent foreign policy, which is not easy in the Balkans. Look at the governments of other Balkan states that are fully controlled by Washington and blindly follow American foreign policy. Serbia, which has always strived for independence and autonomy, is interested in the world balance. Like our ancestors, we are striving to pursue a balanced foreign policy, building equal relations with both the West and the East. We hope that such an order will be established. That is what we want. It is in Serbia’s interests,” the deputy stressed.

Jovan Palalić also noted that he considers Serbia’s relations with Russia to be friendly.

“There is one fact that has been cyclical in Serbian history at different periods. When Russia reduces its presence in the Balkans because of various issues it has to deal with, the position of our country and people always deteriorates. When Russia was in the Balkans, the position of Serbia and the Serbs was always strengthened. The Serbian people feel it instinctively and therefore always support Russia. I want to believe that once the conflict in Ukraine is over, Russia will return to an active policy in the Balkans. It is in our interests; the Serbian people want it very much. I think it is also in Russia’s interests. If the circumstances are right – and we hope they will be in the nearest possible future – new opportunities will open up for our political, economic and technological cooperation. I am also confident that we will maintain our principled position and not join sanctions against Moscow. This gives us the opportunity to strengthen our economic cooperation and maintain a presence in the Russian market, which is important to us,” Mr Palalić concluded.