MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Moscow extends its congratulations to new Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo on taking office and expects cooperation to increase going forward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Moscow congratulates President Bernardo Arevalo on assuming office and wishes him success in the highest state post for the benefit of Guatemala and its people," the ministry pointed out.

"The Russian side reaffirms its readiness to work together to develop and promote the whole complex of Russian-Guatemalan relations. We are looking forward to giving a positive impetus to our multifaceted cooperation both in the bilateral format and within the framework of the leading sub-regional integration associations - the Central American Integration System (CAIS) and the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN)," the departament emphasized.

In the 2023 presidential election, Bernardo Arevalo ran for the Seed Movement (Movimiento Semilla). He won the second round, held on August 20, 2023, securing 58% of the vote. His main rival Sandra Torres from the centrist National Unity of Hope party received 37%.

On the night of January 15, it was reported that Arevalo was sworn in at a session of the Congress (unicameral parliament) of the republic. In office, he promises to expand social benefits for the population, develop infrastructure, fight drug cartels, increase the police force, and eradicate corruption.