Russia's Foreign Ministry says it hopes that Monday's parliamentary election in Georgia will help normalize relations between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said in a statement Wednesday that “Georgian society has voted for changes”. He expressed hope that Georgia will move towards a “normalization” and “establishment of constructive and respectful relations” with their neighbors.

Georgia's parliamentary vote was won by the Georgian Dream coalition led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

President Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili conceded defeat Tuesday and pledged to help the opposition form a new government. He will remain Georgia's president until his term expires next year. Under changes in the constitution, many of the president's powers will then transfer to a yet-to-be chosen prime minister.

Ivanishvili, who hopes to become prime minister, has said he will seek close cooperation with both Russia and Western powers. Ivanishvili says he will not change Georgia's course toward joining the European Union and NATO.