Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the role of Russian diplomats in foiling the West's plans to isolate Russia.
"Largely thanks to your efforts, we have managed not only to foil the collective West's plans to isolate our country, but also to step up cooperation with most members of the global community at including countries in Eurasia, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, Africa and Latin America," the Russian president said in a congratulatory telegram to employees and veterans of the Russian foreign ministry published Friday on the Kremlin website.
"The best qualities of the Russian diplomatic service are very much in demand today - amid the hybrid war unleashed against Russia, when it is extremely important to use foreign policy instruments most effectively to defend our state sovereignty and national security," the president stressed in the message.
According to Putin, among the absolute priorities of Russian diplomacy are the protection of legal rights of Russian citizens, support for compatriots abroad, and "uncompromising fight against any manifestations of neo-Nazism and discrimination based on nationality."
The president emphasized that Russian diplomacy will continue to promote a multipolar, truly democratic world order based on equality, mutual respect and observance of generally recognized norms of international law.
According to him, the agenda now includes "stepping up cooperation with responsible international partners. Putin pointed out that strengthening ties with the CIS countries, promoting Eurasian integration processes and strengthening of cooperation within the CSTO, the realization of the Union State's potential, and expanding cooperation in such organizations as the SCO and BRICS are of particular importance.
The head of state also pointed out that the foreign ministry can be rightly proud of its glorious traditions. According to him, even in the most difficult times, in the face of severe challenges Russian diplomats fulfilled their professional duty with honor and set an example of patriotism and civic courage.
Putin wished the diplomats new professional successes, and the veterans of the MFA - good health, great spirit and long life.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS