My dear friends,
Today, we are celebrating Diplomatic Worker’s Day. I would like to congratulate all my colleagues, no matter where you work – on Smolenskaya Square, in the Foreign Ministry’s regional offices or in our numerous foreign missions – on our shared holiday.
February 10 is an important day for all Foreign Ministry staff. It symbolises the continuity of the diplomatic service and demonstrates to the country and the world our professional unity and the noble ideals of our country’s diplomacy.
This year we are celebrating our holiday against the backdrop of the hybrid war that the United States and its allies have unleashed on our country. There is no doubt that Russia will withstand this time of trials and will become even stronger after overcoming them. The large-scale Russophobic campaign for which the collective West has been cultivating the Nazi regime in Kiev for many years has directly affected our diplomats as well. Many of our colleagues are now working in extreme conditions, often risking life and limb. In this context, I would like to make special mention of our foreign offices, including their senior staff. They are putting out truthful, objective information about Russia, its domestic and foreign policy in the media of the foreign countries where they serve.
The Foreign Ministry team has always faithfully and fully done its duty to the Motherland and our people. And this time will be no different. We will continue to do everything necessary to protect our national interests and create a favourable environment for Russia’s stable development and for raising the living standards of its people. The honour and dignity of our Motherland and all our citizens have never been and will never be subject to any compromise.
The tectonic shifts in global politics and the economy that have accelerated since the start of the special military operation on February 24, 2022, have drawn a clear dividing line between the narrow circle of unfriendly states and the rest of the world, the global majority that is seeking closer ties and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia. We are succeeding in not only preserving but also deepening our equitable cooperation in many respects with the states of the Greater Eurasia, Africa and Latin America. Formulated by President Vladimir Putin, our foreign policy rests on the universally accepted norms of international law, primarily, the UN Charter, which state the fundamental principle of the sovereign equality of states. We advocate strengthening the democratic foundations of international relations on all global platforms. The broad positive response of our partners clearly shows that this approach is in demand. More and more nations are joining the Group of Friends in Defenсe of the UN Charter, which was established in 2021.
The ability of each of us to adapt quickly to the profound changes taking place in the world is what guarantees our further success. None of us should stand still, without exception. We must continuously strive for self-improvement, shedding obsolete stereotypes, expanding our professional horizon, mastering new areas of foreign policy and actively using cutting-edge ICT.
Speaking about continuity, I would like to add that the accomplishments of our great predecessors are a major advantage and moral lodestar for our country’s diplomats. Their names are forever inscribed in the annals of Russian statehood. They include Chancellor Alexander Gorchakov. This year we will celebrate his 225th birth anniversary. He made an enormous personal contribution to restoring Russia’s international prestige and positions in Europe after the Crimean War in the mid-19th century. Of course, we will continue drawing inspiration from the employees of the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, who courageously took up arms against the enemy during the Great Patriotic War.
On that day we traditionally honour our senior colleagues. We recall our first bosses and wise mentors, who shared their invaluable life and career experience and taught us the fundamentals of diplomatic excellence. We are glad that today veterans are doing so much to preserve the best traditions of our Smolenka (Smolenskaya Square) and educate the youth in the patriotic spirit. We are forever indebted to them.
I continue the tradition of thanking your families and loved ones, who share with you all the challenges and inconveniences of our profession. Family support is always invaluable for diplomatic workers, especially abroad.
Colleagues and friends,
I believe that you will continue carrying the high title of Russian diplomat with dignity and pride. I wish all of you good health and well-being on this festive day.
Success and good luck to you. Happy holiday once again!