#InMemoriam

Ahead of the #DiplomatsDay (celebrated on February 10), we cherish the memory of Alexander Gorchakov, an outstanding Russian diplomat and statesman who served as the last Chancellor of the Russian Empire.

🗓 When he was appointed head of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Empire in 1856, Gorchakov devoted his efforts to changing the conditions of the Treaty of Paris, which sealed the outcome of the Crimean War. His goal was to revoke the neutral status of the Black Sea and to regain control of Bessarabia.

✍️ On August 21, 1856, Gorchakov dispatched a directive outlining new foreign policy objectives to all Russian embassies. It contained a phrase that resonated throughout Europe: “Some say that Russia is angry. No, Russia is not angry, Russia is concentrating.” This phrase conveyed Russia’s decision to refrain from becoming actively involved in European affairs to restore order at home. Another element of the new policy was that Russia would no longer sacrifice its interests to please anyone.

Gorchakov’s diplomatic skills prevented Austria from joining the Franco-Prussian war, which ensured Prussia’s victory over France. This allowed Russia to stop implementing the Paris Treaty articles that limited its sovereignty in the Black Sea and to encourage other countries to recognise this new state of affairs at the international conference in London in 1871.

👉 Thanks to Gorchakov’s efforts, the international situation underwent a transformation, enabling Russia to launch reforms that resulted in a huge economic leap in the last 30 years of the XIX century.

Gorchakov’s principle of prioritising national interests in foreign policy remains relevant in Russian diplomacy. Alexander Gorchakov is respected as a bright example of competence, dedication and service to the Fatherland.

☝️ An outstanding statesman & a brilliant politician, Alexander Gorchakov believed that diplomacy must not divide nations but bring them closer together and promote their interaction based on common interests.

Today is Diplomatic Workers' Day aka Diplomats' Day in 🇷🇺 #Russia!

The date of the holiday goes back to the earliest documented mention (February 10, 1549) of the Ambassadorial Prikaz - the first state body in our country’s history that oversaw foreign affairs.

#DWR2024 #DiplomatsDay

📄 President Vladimir Putin congratulated current staff and veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Diplomatic Worker’s Day.

💬 Vladimir Putin: The Russian Foreign Ministry rightfully takes pride in its rich history and glorious traditions. Throughout history, its employees have honourably protected the interests of the Motherland in the international arena despite any difficulties and challenges.

In the current geopolitical landscape, amidst a hybrid war unleashed against us and attempts by the collective West to isolate Russia and undermine its security, the Foreign Ministry faces difficult and responsible tasks.

Russian diplomacy aims to make a significant contribution to creating favourable external conditions for our country’s dynamic development, fostering effective cooperation with foreign partners, and promoting a positive agenda in international relations. It also seeks to strengthen the unity of the global majority – of countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America – in order to build a just multipolar world order based on true equality, mutual respect, and universally recognised norms of international law.

❗️ Efforts to enhance cooperation with #CIS countries, expand the integration process within the #EAEU, and strengthen ties within the #CSTO and the Union State remain a top priority. Special attention should be given to the proper implementation of tasks and responsibilities during Russia’s chairmanship of the CIS and of the expanded #BRICS association.

Undoubtedly, there is significant need for efforts aimed at uniting the multinational and multi-religious Russian community through supporting our compatriots abroad, promoting the Russian language and showcasing national cultural and scientific achievements, as well as countering attempts to falsify history and revise the outcomes of World War II.

I am confident that staff members at the Ministry’s head office and foreign missions will continue to work with utmost dedication, creativity, and initiative.

#DiplomatsDay