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🇷🇺🇿🇦 On June 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the #BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod.
The meeting focused on topical issues of bilateral strategical partnership, with an emphasis on expanding trade and economic cooperation. Both Parties expressed an interest in deepening political dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to effective cooperation at the #UN, #BRICS, the #G20 and other international platforms.
The participants also discussed further opportunities for the contribution of South Africa and a number of other representatives of the Global South in finding solutions to the Ukraine crisis proceeding from the common understanding of the origins and causes of the crisis.
During the discussion on Middle East issues, concerns were raised about the ongoing escalation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. Additionally, the Ministers considered some aspects of the current situation in Africa and Europe.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
The meeting focused on topical issues of bilateral strategical partnership, with an emphasis on expanding trade and economic cooperation. Both Parties expressed an interest in deepening political dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to effective cooperation at the #UN, #BRICS, the #G20 and other international platforms.
The participants also discussed further opportunities for the contribution of South Africa and a number of other representatives of the Global South in finding solutions to the Ukraine crisis proceeding from the common understanding of the origins and causes of the crisis.
During the discussion on Middle East issues, concerns were raised about the ongoing escalation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. Additionally, the Ministers considered some aspects of the current situation in Africa and Europe.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇪🇹 On June 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Taye Atskeselassie on the sidelines of the #BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod.
The discussion focused on key areas for enhancing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, trade, economy, science, technology and humanitarian ties.
Moscow and Addis Ababa reiterated their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and close coordination of approaches within the #UN and #BRICS, including in the context of the Russia’s BRICS presidency.
The two Ministers held a confidential discussion on engagement at the UN and other international organisations. Detailed discussions were held on conflicts in Africa, with a specific emphasis on the situation in the Horn of Africa.
#RussiaEthiopia
The discussion focused on key areas for enhancing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, trade, economy, science, technology and humanitarian ties.
Moscow and Addis Ababa reiterated their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and close coordination of approaches within the #UN and #BRICS, including in the context of the Russia’s BRICS presidency.
The two Ministers held a confidential discussion on engagement at the UN and other international organisations. Detailed discussions were held on conflicts in Africa, with a specific emphasis on the situation in the Horn of Africa.
#RussiaEthiopia
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🇷🇺🇲🇳 The President of Russia Vladimir Putin began a series of his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Summit with a conversation with President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
💬 Vladimir Putin: This year, we celebrate a remarkable date, the 85th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Khalkin Gol against Japanese aggressors.
Overall, the relations between our countries have developed throughout the decades on a very positive and firm foundation of cooperation and friendship.
It should be noted that last year, we recorded a slight decrease in mutual trade; however, there has been substantial growth this year, and we have gained a good momentum during the first six months of 2024.
🎓 We continue to develop our humanitarian ties. I want to note that the quota of Mongolian students in Russia is one of the highest – 620 people. We are willing to raise it further.
I have spoken about our trade and economic cooperation, but when necessary, especially if Mongolia faces issues caused by climate change, we make efforts to provide help in the form of grain supplies, other goods and energy, which are delivered free of charge.
Speaking of which, energy remains one of the major areas of cooperation for us. This work is going smoothly, but there is room for expansion. We can discuss boosting supplies of hydrocarbons and electricity.
🤝 I am very glad to have this opportunity to exchange opinions on the entire scope of our relations, including our coordinated efforts in international affairs. We work extensively at the #UN and other platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO).
Right now, we are finalising a treaty between Mongolia and the #EAEU, and I believe it will be another progressive step to formally strengthen the legal framework of our relations and create actual new opportunities for expanding our cooperation.
Read in full
#RussiaMongolia
💬 Vladimir Putin: This year, we celebrate a remarkable date, the 85th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Khalkin Gol against Japanese aggressors.
Overall, the relations between our countries have developed throughout the decades on a very positive and firm foundation of cooperation and friendship.
It should be noted that last year, we recorded a slight decrease in mutual trade; however, there has been substantial growth this year, and we have gained a good momentum during the first six months of 2024.
🎓 We continue to develop our humanitarian ties. I want to note that the quota of Mongolian students in Russia is one of the highest – 620 people. We are willing to raise it further.
I have spoken about our trade and economic cooperation, but when necessary, especially if Mongolia faces issues caused by climate change, we make efforts to provide help in the form of grain supplies, other goods and energy, which are delivered free of charge.
Speaking of which, energy remains one of the major areas of cooperation for us. This work is going smoothly, but there is room for expansion. We can discuss boosting supplies of hydrocarbons and electricity.
🤝 I am very glad to have this opportunity to exchange opinions on the entire scope of our relations, including our coordinated efforts in international affairs. We work extensively at the #UN and other platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO).
Right now, we are finalising a treaty between Mongolia and the #EAEU, and I believe it will be another progressive step to formally strengthen the legal framework of our relations and create actual new opportunities for expanding our cooperation.
Read in full
#RussiaMongolia
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#RussiaChina
🇷🇺🇨🇳 On September 25, Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
The Parties praised the development of political dialogue and practical cooperation between Russia and China amidst the highly turbulent international situation. Focus was placed on the implementation of agreements reached at the higher level, as well as the preparations for the BRICS summit in Kazan and new contacts between the two countries’ leaders.
The Ministers stressed the importance of enhancing the two countries’ foreign policy coordination at international platforms, such as the #UN and its Security Council, #BRICS, #SCO, #APEC, #G20, and other formats. Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi mentioned that Western countries’ illegitimate sanctions imposed in circumvention of UN Security Council resolutions are unacceptable as they undermine the stability of the global economy and universal forms of trade and economic cooperation.
An in-depth discussion was held on global and Eurasian security, including settlement process for the Ukrainian crisis and measures to counter the West in escalating the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and around Taiwan, as well as on a number of other issues on the regional agenda.
The conversation took place in the traditionally trust-based and constructive spirit typical of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership.
#UNGA79
🇷🇺🇨🇳 On September 25, Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
The Parties praised the development of political dialogue and practical cooperation between Russia and China amidst the highly turbulent international situation. Focus was placed on the implementation of agreements reached at the higher level, as well as the preparations for the BRICS summit in Kazan and new contacts between the two countries’ leaders.
The Ministers stressed the importance of enhancing the two countries’ foreign policy coordination at international platforms, such as the #UN and its Security Council, #BRICS, #SCO, #APEC, #G20, and other formats. Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi mentioned that Western countries’ illegitimate sanctions imposed in circumvention of UN Security Council resolutions are unacceptable as they undermine the stability of the global economy and universal forms of trade and economic cooperation.
An in-depth discussion was held on global and Eurasian security, including settlement process for the Ukrainian crisis and measures to counter the West in escalating the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and around Taiwan, as well as on a number of other issues on the regional agenda.
The conversation took place in the traditionally trust-based and constructive spirit typical of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership.
#UNGA79
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🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with '60 Minutes' television programme (December 25, 2024)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We have not had any illusions about the prospects [of 2025]. Resolving the Ukraine crisis doesn’t have any prospects, either. It has long been clear to everyone holding unbiased positions that it can be settled only in the context of agreements on lasting security and stability in Europe, which would take into account the interests of the Russian Federation and the legitimate interests of all other countries. <...>
President Putin has repeatedly stressed that we never walk away from talks. We need to see serious, concrete proposals. When we have them, we will decide on how to respond to them based on our national interests, the goals of the special military operation, and President Vladimir Putin’s June 14 speech at the Foreign Ministry.
Other key points
• The prevailing discourse we are hearing both in the West and in Ukraine today is about a truce and only truce. It is about buying time to allow the Kiev regime to regain strength, with the help of the West, and resume its attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, acting on their Western bosses’ instructions.
President Vladimir Putin has mentioned this repeatedly – during the Direct Line, at the Valdai Discussion Club meeting, and at the Russia Calling! investment forum. We will not be satisfied with a truce. We need reliable and legally binding agreements aimed at eliminating the root causes of the conflict, addressing problems such as common security in Europe, NATO expansion, the European Union’s recent decision to become an appendage of the North Atlantic bloc, in fact, erasing all differences between these organisations, and above all, upholding the rights of the people living in these territories who have supported reunification with the Russian Federation.
• We have never initiated a discussion regarding what should be done with nuclear weapons and whether they can be used. On the contrary, it was at Russia's initiative that in 2021, first at the level of Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, and subsequently among the leaders of the entire G5 nuclear-armed states – the permanent members of the Security Council – the 1987 Gorbachev-Reagan principle was reaffirmed: there can be no victors in a nuclear war, thus it should never be instigated. This was a Russian initiative.
We are not interested in escalating the issue of nuclear weapons usage risks. We firmly adhere to the principle I mentioned earlier: there can be no victors in a nuclear war.
• Regarding the incessant terrorist acts perpetrated by the Kiev regime, which deliberately targets purely civilian structures such as residential buildings, hospitals, clinics, shops, and places where people congregate and relax – this is outrageous. It is a blatant violation of all anti-terrorism conventions and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We express our condemnation, although regrettably, almost no one in the West and none of the leaders of international organisations, including the #UN, the #OSCE, #UNESCO, and others, join us in this denunciation. Naturally, we do not stop there.
We regularly disseminate information and present relevant videos illustrating our efforts to dismantle facilities directly associated with the preparation and execution of activities by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
❗️We caution that any continuation of this path will be met with increasingly decisive responses on our part.
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We have not had any illusions about the prospects [of 2025]. Resolving the Ukraine crisis doesn’t have any prospects, either. It has long been clear to everyone holding unbiased positions that it can be settled only in the context of agreements on lasting security and stability in Europe, which would take into account the interests of the Russian Federation and the legitimate interests of all other countries. <...>
President Putin has repeatedly stressed that we never walk away from talks. We need to see serious, concrete proposals. When we have them, we will decide on how to respond to them based on our national interests, the goals of the special military operation, and President Vladimir Putin’s June 14 speech at the Foreign Ministry.
Other key points
• The prevailing discourse we are hearing both in the West and in Ukraine today is about a truce and only truce. It is about buying time to allow the Kiev regime to regain strength, with the help of the West, and resume its attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, acting on their Western bosses’ instructions.
President Vladimir Putin has mentioned this repeatedly – during the Direct Line, at the Valdai Discussion Club meeting, and at the Russia Calling! investment forum. We will not be satisfied with a truce. We need reliable and legally binding agreements aimed at eliminating the root causes of the conflict, addressing problems such as common security in Europe, NATO expansion, the European Union’s recent decision to become an appendage of the North Atlantic bloc, in fact, erasing all differences between these organisations, and above all, upholding the rights of the people living in these territories who have supported reunification with the Russian Federation.
• We have never initiated a discussion regarding what should be done with nuclear weapons and whether they can be used. On the contrary, it was at Russia's initiative that in 2021, first at the level of Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, and subsequently among the leaders of the entire G5 nuclear-armed states – the permanent members of the Security Council – the 1987 Gorbachev-Reagan principle was reaffirmed: there can be no victors in a nuclear war, thus it should never be instigated. This was a Russian initiative.
We are not interested in escalating the issue of nuclear weapons usage risks. We firmly adhere to the principle I mentioned earlier: there can be no victors in a nuclear war.
• Regarding the incessant terrorist acts perpetrated by the Kiev regime, which deliberately targets purely civilian structures such as residential buildings, hospitals, clinics, shops, and places where people congregate and relax – this is outrageous. It is a blatant violation of all anti-terrorism conventions and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We express our condemnation, although regrettably, almost no one in the West and none of the leaders of international organisations, including the #UN, the #OSCE, #UNESCO, and others, join us in this denunciation. Naturally, we do not stop there.
We regularly disseminate information and present relevant videos illustrating our efforts to dismantle facilities directly associated with the preparation and execution of activities by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
❗️We caution that any continuation of this path will be met with increasingly decisive responses on our part.
Read in full