The Minister spoke about the current issues of Russia’s foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered remarks and answered questions during Government Hour at the 602nd meeting of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly.
He spoke about the current issues of Russia’s foreign policy.
The Minister pointed out that creating the most favourable and secure external environment for the country’s internal development, and raising the standard and quality of life of the Russian citizens are the Russian diplomacy’s top priority as set out in the Foreign Policy Concept.
The Minister spoke about the shaping of a multipolar world and the development of relations with the United States, including in the context of finding a solution to the Ukraine crisis.
Sergei Lavrov pointed out that the evolution of the situation in Ukraine and, more broadly, on the western front is of paramount importance for the entire spectrum of our relations with foreign states and for Russia’s position on the international stage. “We continue to pursue an independent, sovereign foreign policy. This course entails the defence of our national interests while simultaneously demonstrating readiness to strengthen multifaceted, constructive ties with all those willing to engage with us on an equal and respectful footing, grounded in universally recognised norms of international law,” he said.
“Russian diplomacy works to support the efforts undertaken by President Putin to reliably ensure Russia’s security on its western borders, to protect honour and dignity of our citizens and compatriots.”
Sergei Lavrov outlined the priorities of the ministry and spoke about combating the glorification of Nazism, reaffirming Russia’s decisive role in the decolonisation process and in combating transborder threats and challenges, working to consolidate the Russian World and safeguard the Russian language, and promoting cooperation between regions and municipalities.
The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s interest in and commitment to aligning its efforts with lawmakers in order to strengthen the international position of the Russian Federation as a leading civilisation state of Greater Eurasia, which is a centre of influence in the emerging multipolar world.
“Our ministry appreciates comradely interaction with the Federation Council. Your suggestions and initiatives to improve our work in the international arena are always welcome. The extensive professional experience of the senators, who are well aware of the needs of the people in the regions they represent, makes these suggestions and initiatives particularly valuable. I am confident that direct communication is extremely important,” Sergei Lavrov stated.
Following his remarks, the senators asked questions about the dynamics of Russia’s relations with Europe and the United States, the shaping of a new system of international relations in the emerging multipolar world, and promoting information efforts aimed at foreign audiences, as well as international cooperation in the Arctic aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the region and protecting Russia’s interests there.
Other speakers at Government Hour were First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Andrey Yatskin and Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Nikolai Zhuravlev. They reported on visits by parliamentary delegations to Vietnam and Laos, the outlook for mutual interaction and the implementation of action plans with these countries. Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev spoke about parliamentary diplomacy at international venues. Taimuraz Mamsurov reported on interaction between lawmakers and diplomats. Anna Otke spoke about the outlook for strengthening international cooperation in the Arctic. Bair Puteev thanked the foreign ministry for assistance in organising the International Buddhist Forum held in Republic of Kalmykia.
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin reported on the draft Federation Council resolution On Current Issues of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation Following Government Hour.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko highlighted the alignment of efforts by lawmakers and diplomats in the regions. “This is extremely important for the Federation Council. Interregional cooperation is complementing international relations, and is very helpful for economic, investment and humanitarian purposes” she stated, adding that this is why it should be given appropriate attention.