Determining Russia's "best friend" is a complex issue, as international relations are multifaceted and dynamic. Russia has a variety of close relationships with different countries based on shared interests, historical ties, and strategic partnerships. While it's difficult to pinpoint one single "best friend," some countries consistently appear as close allies:
Strategic Partners:
- China: Russia and China share a strong economic partnership, with significant trade and investment between the two. They have also aligned their foreign policy positions on various international issues, including opposing Western sanctions and supporting multilateralism.
- Belarus: Russia and Belarus have a close political and economic relationship, often described as a "union state." They have a common military doctrine and share a strong historical and cultural bond.
Historical Allies:
- India: Russia and India have a long-standing strategic partnership based on historical ties and shared interests. They collaborate in areas such as defense, energy, and space exploration.
- Serbia: Russia and Serbia have a close relationship rooted in shared Orthodox Christian faith and historical ties. They have consistently supported each other on international platforms.
Other Important Partners:
- Kazakhstan: Russia and Kazakhstan have a strong economic and political relationship, with close energy and trade ties.
- Uzbekistan: Russia and Uzbekistan have a growing partnership, with increasing cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, and security.
It's important to note that Russia's relationships with these countries are not always without complexities. While they may share common interests and goals, there are also areas of potential tension and competition.