Website of the President of Russia: Videos: Ceremonies

Ceremony for presenting letters of credence

2026-01-15T21:02:36+04:00

Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations. The ceremony took place in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by: Alenka Suhadolnik (Republic of Slovenia), Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr (Federal Republic of Somalia), Sosthene Ndembi (Gabonese Republic), Shobini Kaushala Gunasekera (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Nicolas Louis Marie Olivier de Rivière (French Republic), Stephan Sylvain Sambou (Republic of Senegal), Joseph Nzabamwita (Republic of Rwanda), Daniel Kostoval (Czech Republic), Sidati Cheikh Ould Ahmed Aisha (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan), Toufik Djouama (People's Democratic Republic of Algeria), Sara Feronha Martins (Portuguese Republic), Nazrul Islam (People's Republic of Bangladesh), Sérgio Rodrigues dos Santos (Federative Republic of Brazil), Heidi Olufsen (Kingdom of Norway), Anna Christina Thérése Johannesson (Kingdom of Sweden), Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed (Arab Republic of Egypt), Jorge Ignacio Zorro Sánchez (Republic of Colombia), Sami Mohammed Al-Sadhan (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah (Republic of Ghana), Monica Ndiliawike Nashandi (Republic of Namibia), Gerhard Sailler (Republic of Austria), Enrique Orta González (Republic of Cuba), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), Lee Sok-bae (Republic of Korea), Manuel Augusto De Cossío Klüver (Republic of Peru), María del Rosario Portell Casanova (Oriental Republic of Uruguay), Bashir Saleh Azzam (Republic of Lebanon), Jürg Stephan Burri (Swiss Confederation), Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa (Republic of Iraq), Stefano Beltrame (Italian Republic), and Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef (Republic of Maldives).

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Speech at the ceremony for presenting letters of credence

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen,

First, I would like to warmly welcome you to the Kremlin for this formal ceremony to present your letters of credence. Our meeting comes at the very start of a new year – a time when we all look to the future with our plans and, naturally, with the hope that difficulties, hardships, mutual recriminations, and conflicts will be left behind. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success in 2026 to you, your families, and the peoples of the nations you represent.

You will, I trust, agree that international cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to interact constructively. Open and honest partnerships create the conditions needed to tackle our shared challenges, even the most complex ones.

There is a reason why people say that peace does not come by itself. It must be built, day-by-day, and it is a painstaking process. Achieving peace requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the ability to make deliberate choices. This posture is especially relevant today considering the increasingly deteriorating international environment. I think that no one would claim otherwise. Old conflicts are escalating, while new serious hotbeds of tension emerge.

At the same time, unilateral and dangerous actions often substitute diplomacy, efforts to come to a compromise or find solutions which would suit everyone. Instead of having states engage in dialogue with one another, there are those relying on the might-makes-right principle to assert their unilateral narratives, those who believe that they can impose their will, lecture others how they must live and issue orders.

Dozens of countries across the world have been suffering from the infringement of their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness. They lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.

Placing a greater emphasis on having all members of the international community respect international law, as well as facilitating the advent of new emerging trends and a fair multipolar world order can be viewed as a reasonable solution. In this world order, all states would have the right to follow their own development models and to define their future independently, without outside interference, while preserving their unique culture and traditions.

I would like to note that Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced, constructive foreign policy course that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.

We are determined to maintain truly open and mutually advantageous relations with all partners interested in cooperation, deepening ties in politics, the economy and culture, and jointly confronting acute challenges and common threats.

Russia advocates for strengthening the key, central role of the United Nations in global affairs, the organisation that celebrated its anniversary last year.

Eight decades ago, our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, having emerged victorious in the Second World War, were able to unite, find a balance of interests, and agree on the fundamental rules and principles of international communication, enshrining them in their entirety, completeness, and interconnectedness in the UN Charter.

The imperatives of this foundational document, such as equality, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue, are now more relevant than ever. Most importantly, we must proceed from the understanding that security must be truly comprehensive and, therefore, equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others. This principle is enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments.

Disregarding this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and never will. This has been clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia’s legitimate interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security, including the advancement of the NATO bloc towards Russia’s borders – contrary to the public promises made to us. I want to emphasise this: contrary to the public promises made to us.

Let me remind you that Russia has repeatedly put forward initiatives to build a new, reliable, and fair architecture of European and global security. We have proposed options and rational solutions that could satisfy everyone in America, Europe, Asia, and across the world.

We believe it would be worthwhile to return to a substantive discussion of these proposals to establish the conditions under which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine could be achieved – and the sooner, the better.

It is precisely a long-term and sustainable peace, one that reliably ensures the security of all and everyone, that our country strives for. Not everywhere, including in Kiev and the capitals that support it, are they ready for this. But we hope that an awareness of this necessity will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will continue to consistently pursue its objectives.

At the same time, I would like to reiterate and ask you to bear in mind in your activities that Russia is always open to building equal and constructive relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being, and development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Taking part in today’s ceremony are ambassadors from 32 countries. Every one of them is an active member of the United Nations and makes their own contribution to addressing essential tasks on the global agenda.

Many of you represent countries that are Russia’s strategic partners and allies with whom we share relations of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support; countries with which we work actively within large international and regional associations.

I am confident that the Brazilian ambassador will agree that our two states, who were the founding members of BRICS, share the same views regarding the necessity to build a truly just multipolar world order.

Russia-Brazil cooperation is developing progressively, gaining new mutually beneficial projects across various fields. As you know, just yesterday I had a telephone conversation with President Lula da Silva. This conversation reaffirmed our shared approaches to global and regional processes, as well as the fact that our positions on many key issues either coincide or are very close.

I would like to emphasise that Russia and the Republic of Cuba enjoy genuinely strong and friendly relations. We have consistently provided assistance and support to our Cuban friends. Russia stands in solidarity with Cuba’s firm determination to defend its sovereignty and independence.

The Russian-Cuban alliance has withstood the test of time and is rooted in the sincere mutual goodwill of our peoples. Together, we are implementing projects of critical importance to the Cuban economy in areas such as energy, metallurgy, transport infrastructure, and healthcare, while also expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

I would also like to underscore that Russia has long maintained close, constructive relations with many countries of Latin America, treating the states of the region with the utmost respect as equal, sovereign partners.

This fully applies to the countries represented here today: Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. We can see significant potential for expanding trade, investment, and business cooperation, as well as collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and professional training.

In the same spirit of partnership and mutual trust, Russia remains committed to further strengthening its engagement with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

A special role in this region is played by Egypt, a friendly country to Russia. Our relations are based on the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Our two countries are successfully implementing major joint initiatives, such as the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area.

In a month, we will mark the centenary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our bilateral partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and steadily expanding relationship. Close coordination within the OPEC Plus format has been established and continues to play a genuinely important role in maintaining stability in the global oil market.

We welcome the Kingdom’s decision to serve as a guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum to be held in June. Of particular note is Saudi Arabia’s intention to host the Intervision International Music Competition, which has been revived at Russia’s initiative.

Relations with Lebanon and Iraq have traditionally developed in the spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. Russia has consistently supported the unity, sovereignty, and independence of these states and firmly opposes any external interference in their domestic affairs.

We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the largest regional organisation in terms of economic, technological, and human potential. Russian-Pakistani relations are genuinely mutually beneficial.

Afghanistan holds observer status in the SCO. In recent years, Russian-Afghan cooperation has gained notable momentum, facilitated by Russia’s decision last year to officially recognise the country’s new authorities. We are sincerely interested in seeing Afghanistan emerge as a united, independent, and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Our cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Maldives is progressing very effectively. We are successfully expanding engagement in traditional areas such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and energy, while remaining committed to developing cooperation in other spheres of mutual interest.

Today’s ceremony is attended by a broad representation of ambassadors from friendly African nations: Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia. Russia maintains relations with all states on the continent based on genuine partnership, mutual support, and solidarity.

The foundations of these relations were forged during the period when African nations were fighting for freedom and independence. Our country made a significant contribution to liberating African states from colonial oppression, to establishing their statehood, to developing their national economies and social sectors, as well as to the training and equipping of their armed forces.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding mutual political, economic, and cultural ties. We continue to provide assistance and support to African nations in their pursuit of development and active participation in international affairs.

All these matters were discussed in detail at the Russia–Africa summits in Sochi and St Petersburg, as well as at the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum held a month ago in Cairo. Preparations are underway for the third Russia–Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place this year.

Unfortunately, much of the positive momentum in our relations with the Republic of Korea has been eroded. Yet in the past, by adhering to pragmatic approaches, our countries achieved truly positive results in trade and business. We look forward to restoring relations with the Republic.

With each of the European states represented here – Slovenia, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy – our relations have deep historical roots and are rich in examples of constructive partnership and mutually enriching cultural cooperation.

The current state of bilateral ties between the aforementioned countries and Russia leaves much to be desired. Dialogue and contacts – through no fault of ours, I must emphasise – have been reduced to a minimum, both at the official level and in business and civil society circles. Cooperation on key international and regional issues has been frozen.

It is my hope that, in time, the situation will nevertheless change, and our nations will return to normal, constructive dialogue based on respect for national interests and due consideration of legitimate security concerns. Russia has been and remains committed to such approaches and is prepared to restore the required level of relations.

More broadly, as I have stated on multiple occasions, we are open to constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries without exception. Naturally, we are keen to ensure that the work of each ambassador present here yields the most fruitful results.

Ladies and gentlemen, you may rest assured that all constructive initiatives you propose will receive support from the Russian leadership, executive authorities, the business community, and civil society.

Allow me to wish you success and all the best in your endeavours.

Thank you for your attention.

Press statements following Russian-Vietnamese talks

2025-05-10T21:53:18+04:00

Following Russia-Vietnam talks, Vladimir Putin and To Lam made statements for the press.

Before making the statements, the heads of state were present at a ceremony to exchange the documents signed.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade To Lam, Ladies and gentlemen,

Comrades,

We are delighted to welcome our Vietnamese friends to Russia, led by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Comrade To Lam.

Yesterday, together with many other foreign leaders, we attended the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A unit of 68 cadets from the First Army Officer Training School of Vietnam marched across Red Square shoulder to shoulder with the ceremonial units from Russia and other countries.

I consider the visit of our Vietnamese friends, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Victory, as yet another evidence of the time-tested friendship, military comradery and mutual support between our nations. Russia remembers Vietnamese internationalist volunteers who fought heroically alongside Red Army soldiers in the Battle of Moscow in 1941–1942. Last year, a sculpture was erected in the Patriot Park near Moscow to honour their deeds.

In turn, the Soviet Union put significant effort into helping the emerging Vietnamese state to continue its struggle for freedom and independence, contributing to the country’s economic and social progress, infrastructure development, and personnel training. Undeniably, the Soviet Union also made a significant contribution to the liberation of southern Vietnam and the country’s reunification. April 30 marked the 50^th anniversary of those important historical events.

This year also marks the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over the years, our bilateral ties have grown stronger, evolving to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and continue to expand in the spirit of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of each other’s interests.

The talks we have just had with Comrade To Lam serve as a clear proof of all this. We substantively discussed Russian-Vietnamese cooperation across all sectors as well as the international agenda in a warm and constructive atmosphere.

As you have seen, an impressive package of documents has been signed following the talks. We have adopted a Joint Declaration, in which we reaffirmed the key principles of our bilateral partnership and mapped out specific guidelines for our further work.

First and foremost, these agreements are aimed at expanding our mutually beneficial economic cooperation. As of the end of last year, Russia-Vietnam trade grew by more than 20 percent, reaching US$6 billion. There is still more to achieve, as back in 2021, our mutual trade was slightly higher than that. But we know what steps are necessary to reach this prior level and go beyond that.

The steady increase in our mutual trade flows is largely a result of the Agreement on Free Trade signed by Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union. This document not only secured concessional terms for our goods and services to reach the respective markets but also facilitated a noticeable increase in investment and intensified technology and innovation exchanges.

It is important to note that Russia and Vietnam are shifting to financial payments in national currencies and seeking to develop reliable channels for cooperation in banking and lending.

Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank plays a key role in servicing our trade transactions. The bank has been successfully operating for almost 20 years, steadily providing Vietnamese and Russian customers with a broad range of financial and lending services.

Our cooperation in energy is expanding. I will not list everything that has been done in this sector but I want to note that this cooperation has been developing for many years, and the progress is clear. Today, we approved new agreements in the context of implementing mutually beneficial Russian-Vietnamese projects.

In addition, Zarubezhneft plans to build a marine wind power station with a capacity of 1,000 MW in southeastern Vietnam. Russian companies are interested in joining the construction of new and modernisation of the existing hydropower generation facilities in the republic.

The agreements signed just now on peaceful atom are opening doors to providing Vietnam with affordable and environmentally safe energy. This project will become a good stimulus for the further growth of the Vietnamese economy, for the creation of thousands of new jobs, and the training of highly qualified local workforce.

This work is already underway. Moreover, as we have heard today from Rosatom CEO, certain Vietnamese specialists have joined the teams at Russian nuclear facilities in third countries. This means that the level of their training corresponds to all international standards.

A centre of nuclear science and technology in Vietnam is also on the agenda.

Among the examples of mutually beneficial industrial cooperation, I would like to note the facility that manufactures Gazelle cargo and passenger minibuses in Da Nang. Russia’s Kamaz is expanding its presence in the Vietnamese market, with a chain of dealerships and service centres now established across the country.

Russia and Vietnam are implementing a number of joint infrastructure projects. Regular container cargo transportation is maintained through the Vladivostok – Ho Chi Minh City maritime transport corridor. The logistics hub in the Ho Chi Minh City port consolidates cargo from Thailand, Malaysia and other countries of Southeast Asia for further shipment to Russia.

Bilateral partnership in agriculture is advancing steadily. Livestock farms are being built in several Russian regions, including Bashkortostan, the Tyumen Region, and the Moscow Region, with the participation of Vietnamese investors.

I know that a dairy plant will be launched in the Kaluga Region tomorrow, with the Vietnamese company TH Group participating in the project. The new facility will supply products to Asia-Pacific markets, among others.

In humanitarian sphere, Russia and Vietnam have a good tradition to hold mutual Days of Culture on a regular basis, a practice that effectively brings our nations together. National cinema weeks, art exhibitions, and touring music and theatre productions are popular in both Russia and Vietnam.

More than 3,000 Vietnamese citizens study at Russian universities; overall, about 75,000 Vietnamese people have been educated in our country. It goes without saying that we intend to continue to promote student exchanges and new joint educational projects and university programmes in every possible way.

I met with people who had graduated from our universities when I was in Vietnam last year. I must tell you that this is a very active group of our Vietnamese friends who are vigorously promoting the Russian language and Russian culture. This is certainly a reliable resource for expanding bilateral ties.

We greatly appreciate Vietnam’s attention to the study of the Russian language. It is included in the secondary school curriculum as the first foreign language. Work is underway to open a Russian gymnasium in Hanoi. A branch of the Pushkin Russian Language Institute has been operating in the capital of Vietnam for years. Under the intergovernmental agreement signed today, it is going to provide a platform for the Regional Centre for Russian Language Learning for citizens of all countries of Southeast Asia.

The Joint Vietnam-Russia Tropical Research and Technology Centre in Hanoi serves as an effective platform for Russian and Vietnamese specialists to conduct joint research in such important fields as ecology and nature conservation, medicine, combating infectious diseases and epidemics, and so on.

I certainly cannot fail to note the recent noticeable increase in tourist traffic between Russia and Vietnam, which nearly doubled last year. The direct air service is expanding, with several new flights added this year, connecting Moscow and other major Russian cities with Hanoi and Nha Trang.

Naturally, during the talks, we also discussed important issues on the global and regional agendas. I would like to emphasise that Russia’s and Vietnam’s respective stances on these issues largely coincide or are closely aligned.

Our countries firmly uphold and support the rule of international law, the sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs. They coordinate their efforts at key multilateral platforms, including the Russia-ASEAN dialogue, and jointly advocate for the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to Comrade To Lam for the productive joint work. Today’s talks will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the Russian-Vietnamese comprehensive strategic partnership, which benefits both nations.

I already expressed our gratitude to Comrade To Lam for his direct and personal involvement in the development of Russian-Vietnamese ties, and I would like to emphasise this once again. Since Comrade To Lam became General Secretary, we have seen rapid progress of Russian-Vietnamese relations and cooperation in many fields. Comrade To Lam, we greatly appreciate your contribution.

Thank you for your attention.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (retranslated): Mr President,

Colleagues, members of the media,

I am glad to be again in great and beautiful Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, a loyal friend and comrade of Vietnam, in order to attend the celebration of the 80^th anniversary of Victory of the Soviet and Russian people in the Great Patriotic War.

I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the President and Russia’s senior officials for the warm and comradely welcome extended to the high-ranking delegation and me. We congratulate Russia on the very successful and solemn celebration of Victory Day which is a particularly important event that will forever go down in history of humanity and forever glorify the great contribution of the Soviet Red Army, including those who laid down their lives for independence of their country and allied countries in fighting against Nazism, defending and bringing freedom, independence and peace to humanity. This victory makes the younger generations aware of the value of peace and the heroic traditions of the nation.

We also marked the 50^th anniversary of liberation of the South, which went down in history of our people as one of its most outstanding chapters, a glittering symbol of the complete victory of revolutionary heroism and human reason, which went down in world history as a great feat of the 20^th century. The two events become even more significant if you think about close ties and mutual support between our countries in the past.

President Vladimir Putin and I held very productive talks in an atmosphere of openness, sincerity, and mutual understanding. We discussed a whole range of bilateral issues. The President and I reiterated that the leaders and peoples of Vietnam and Russia have always cherished the long-standing traditional friendship between our two countries, which has been tested by time and gets ever stronger in the name of long-term interests of our two peoples and for the benefit of both nations.

President Putin and I have aligned our agendas on the main areas of comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

First, we will work to strengthen the foundations of high political trust and traditional friendship that have been laid by many generations of the leaders and peoples of our two countries, and to strengthen political exchanges and dialogues at all levels between our respective parties, states, governments, parliaments, and regions. We will also focus on improving traditional education of the two countries’ younger generations.

Second, we will create breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation, maximise the use of the existing potential, and eliminate all difficulties and obstacles. We will promote innovative areas of cooperation such as clean energy, support for the manufacturing industry, and the closed-cycle economy. We agreed on pursuing concrete projects symbolising our friendship in the new era.

The sides support energy and oil-and-gas companies to promote cooperation, to expand investment and to work in each other’s territories in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, in particular, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Third, we will work to develop new, substantial, and effective breakthroughs in scientific research and technology, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and the semiconductor industry. We also agreed to promote the implementation of joint research projects.

Fourth, we will deepen cooperation in defence, security, and military technology, jointly respond to non-conventional security and cyber security challenges and prevent and oppose high-tech crimes.

Fifth, we will strengthen cooperation in education, professional training, and labour. We agreed to step up the training of specialists to promote the Russian language studies in Vietnam and the Vietnamese language studies in Russia.

Also, we will work to expand direct air service between our two countries. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that yesterday the Vietnam Airlines national airline resumed direct flights between the capitals of the two countries, and the privately owned VietJet Air airline is about to launch flights connecting the two countries as well.

The President and I discussed ways to step up the efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam appreciates Russia’s efforts and hopes that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to play an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, ensuring safety and freedom of navigation and air navigation, and peacefully resolving disputes in the region, including the East Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

We welcome and support Russia’s initiatives to advance cooperation within ASEAN in order to build a strong and united ASEAN community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Russian President and Government of Russia for their continuous support and assistance to the Vietnamese diaspora. We hope that the Russian side will continue to assist the Vietnamese diaspora so that they can live, work and integrate into Russian society in a peaceful and stable way, and continue to act as a bridge of friendship between our countries.

Thank you again to Mr President and media representatives for the full and truthful coverage of my visit.

I invited President Putin to visit Vietnam, and he gratefully accepted the invitation.

I wish good health to President Vladimir Putin and every media member present here.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Mr To Lam, our dear friend and comrade, mentioned another area of our cooperation. He said we plan to strengthen defence and security cooperation. I did not mention that in my remarks, but I confirm that we have such plans. Bearing in mind the famous line from a Russian song, “From the taiga to the British seas, the Red Army is the strongest of all!” we have every reason to believe that all our plans in this area will come to fruition.

Parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory

2025-05-10T00:31:32+04:00

President of Russia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin attended a military parade marking the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The heads of foreign delegations joined the President of Russia on the reviewing stands.

Before the parade, the President welcomed in the Kremlin the leaders of foreign countries who had come to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations.

The parade began with a march of the banner group bringing the national flag of Russia and the Victory Banner into Red Square. The parade was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces General of the Army Oleg Salyukov and reviewed by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

The marching column on Red Square included 55 ceremonial units of over 11,500 service personnel, including over 1,500 personnel involved in the special military operation. Military contingents from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia, and Myanmar also took part in the Victory Parade.

The mechanised column was led by the legendary T-34 Victory Tank and SU-100 self-propelled artillery units. The Tigr-M and VPK-Ural armoured vehicles, Linza armoured medical vehicles, BRM-1K reconnaissance vehicles, BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers, BMP-2M, BMP-3 and Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicles, BMD-4 and BTR-MDM Rakushka airborne infantry fighting vehicles, as well as main battle tanks T-72B3M, T-80BVM and T-90M Proryv were part of the mechanised column as well. Missile and artillery units showcased self-propelled artillery systems, Iskander-M precision missile systems, the S-400 Triumf air defence complex, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers.

For the first time, the parade presented unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, including the Orlan, Lancet, Garpiya and Geran drones.

The parade concluded with the renowned Kubinka Diamond formation of Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams. Closing the flyover, Su-25 attack aircraft painted the sky in the colours of the Russian national flag.

The music accompaniment for the parade was provided by the combined military orchestra of the Moscow Garrison.

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Speech by the President of Russia at the military parade

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia,

Veterans, guests,

Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers,

Comrade officers, generals and admirals,

I congratulate you on the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!

Today, we are all united by the feelings of joy and grief, pride and gratitude, and admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and won freedom and peace for all humanity at the cost of millions of lives.

We faithfully preserve the memory of those historic, glorious events. As the heirs of the victors, today we celebrate Victory Day as the most important holiday for the country, which the entire nation, each family, each of us holds dear.

Our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland. And they bequeathed us to defend the Motherland, to stay united and firmly defend our national interests, our thousand-year history, culture and traditional values – everything that is dear to us, that is sacred to us.

We remember the lessons of World War II and will never agree with the distortion of those events or attempts to justify the murderers and slander the true victors.

Our duty is to defend the honour of the Red Army soldiers and commanders, and the heroism of fighters of different ethnic backgrounds who will forever remain Russian soldiers in world history.

Russia has been and will continue to be an indestructible obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism, and will stand in the way of the violence perpetrated by the champions of these aggressive and destructive ideas.

Truth and justice are on our side. The whole of Russia, our society and all people support the participants in the special military operation. We are proud of their courage and spirit, and their steely determination that has always brought us victory.

Friends,

The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the enemy’s most savage and relentless assaults. Millions of people, once devoted solely to peaceful labour, took up arms and stood firm to the death on every hill, bridgehead, and defensive line. The outcome of the Second World War was determined by decisive victories in major battles of Moscow and Stalingrad, on the Kursk Bulge and the Dnieper River, by the courage of the defenders of Belarus, who were the first to face the invader, by staunch resistance at the Brest Fortress and in Mogilev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Murmansk, Tula and Smolensk, by the heroism of the residents of besieged Leningrad, by the bravery of all those who fought on the front lines, in partisan units, and in the underground resistance, as well as by the selfless efforts of those who evacuated plants and factories under enemy fire, and who worked on the home front, giving everything they had, working to the limits of their ability.

The Nazis’ plans to conquer the Soviet Union were shattered by the unshakable unity of the nation. The heroism of the Soviet people was common, and every republic shouldered the shared, immense burden of war.

The contribution of the peoples of Central Asia and the South Caucasus was immense. From these regions came a steady flow of trains delivering everything the front needed. Hospitals were established, and hundreds of thousands of evacuees found a second home there. They were offered shelter, food, and heartfelt compassion.

We honour every veteran of the Great Patriotic War and bow our heads in remembrance of all who gave their lives for Victory, the sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, loved ones, and friends.

We bow our heads before our fallen comrades-in-arms who laid down their lives as heroes in a righteous battle for Russia.

Let us now observe a moment of silence.

(A moment of silence.)

Friends,

Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population were drawn into the fiery orbit of World War II.

The complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militarist Japan and their satellites around the world was achieved through the combined efforts of the Allied Nations.

We will never forget that the opening of the Second Front in Europe, which took place after the decisive battles in the territory of the Soviet Union, hastened Victory. We highly appreciate the contribution made to our common struggle by the Allied armies, members of the Resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future.

Friends,

We will continue to look up to our veterans, taking example from their wholehearted love of the Motherland and commitment to defending our homeland and the values of humanism and justice. We will give these traditions and this great heritage the biggest place in our hearts and will pass them on to future generations.

We will always rely on our unity in battle and in peaceful endeavours, in striving for strategic goals and tackling problems for the benefit of Russia and its greatness and prosperity.

Glory to the victorious nation!

Happy holiday!

Happy Victory Day!

Hurrah!

Ceremony to present letters of credence

2024-11-05T18:45:10+04:00

Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from 28 newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations. The ceremony took place in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The letters of credence were presented by: Akira Muto (Japan), Sarah Taylor (Canada), Simona Halperin (State of Israel), Carmelo Inguanez (Republic of Malta), Thit Linn Ohn (Republic of the Union of Myanmar), Aristide Rapougdondba Ludovic Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Dato' Cheong Loon Lai (Malaysia), Ivan Orlic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Genc Pecani (Republic of Albania), Mark Julian Trainor (New Zealand), Vinay Kumar (Republic of India), Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieyra (Argentine Republic), Alexander Rogozhnik (Republic of Belarus), Cecilia Piccioni (Italian Republic), Ricardo Martínez Vazquez (Kingdom of Spain), Julian Clare (Ireland), Jesper Var (Kingdom of Denmark), Michel Gerebtzoff (Kingdom of Belgium), Joanneke Marijke Balfoort (Kingdom of the Netherlands), Peter Mutuku Mathuki (Republic of Kenya), Siphandone Oybouabouddy (Lao People's Democratic Republic), Kubanychbek Bokontaev (Kyrgyz Republic), Marja Elina Liivala (Republic of Finland), Genet Teshome Jirru (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia), Issa Abdou Sidikou (Republic of Niger), Gurgen Arsenyan (Republic of Armenia), Rahman Mustafayev (Republic of Azerbaijan) and Mark Grey Marongwe (Republic of Zimbabwe).

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Speech at the ceremony to present letters of credence

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I warmly welcome you to the Kremlin for the ceremonial presentation of credentials. We are joined here by the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of 28 states.

Colleagues, you can rely on the support of the Russian authorities, ministries, and departments, as well as the goodwill and constructive engagement of Russian business, political, and public circles.

We are genuinely interested in your success. You have been entrusted with an important and responsible mission: to manage the relationships between the countries you represent and Russia, addressing a range of issues, including those that have a complex nature: political, economic, and humanitarian matters.

As for our country, it is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all states without exception, based on the principles of equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and strict adherence to international law.

We support the establishment of a fair system of global economic relations, free from unfair competition, unilateral sanctions, and politically motivated restrictions.

Russia is actively engaged in international affairs and follows a constructive foreign policy that considers both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.

This was underscored by the recent large-scale BRICS summit held in Kazan, which marked the peak of Russia’s chairmanship of the group and was a significant event in the global political calendar.

Russia has approached its responsibilities as BRICS chair with a strong sense of duty. Throughout the year, more than 200 events were organised at the highest levels, including ministerial and expert discussions, as well as engagements across business, parliamentary, and public sectors.

Furthermore, we were entrusted with the important responsibility of facilitating the seamless and full integration of the new BRICS participants who joined the association at the beginning of this year.

It is worth noting that these new members quickly and organically became part of our collective efforts. They actively participated in forums, contributed valuable and promising ideas and initiatives, and witnessed how cooperation within BRICS, grounded in mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, yields concrete and tangible results.

The tradition of holding a special joint meeting with BRICS friends and partners from the Global South and East in the outreach/BRICS Plus format during the group’s summits was continued. This time, at the invitation of the Russian chairmanship, the meeting was attended by the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as leaders from countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including those currently heading several key regional organisations.

In total, delegations from 35 countries and 6 international organisations attended the summit in Kazan. This broad representation highlights the interest in BRICS and the desire to engage with our group from countries that pursue genuinely independent and sovereign policies. Each of these nations has its own unique development path, distinct economic growth models, and a rich history and culture.

The strength and immense potential of BRICS undoubtedly stem from its civilisational diversity and the unique blend of national traditions and development models. The group’s role in international affairs and its authority continue to grow.

The strategic vision of the BRICS countries for a future multipolar world, which aligns with the aspirations of the Global Majority, is outlined in the Kazan Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the summit.

A key outcome of the Kazan summit was the creation of a new category called partner states. A list of potential candidate countries has been agreed upon, to which the Russian chairmanship will extend invitations. Once these countries provide a positive response, they will be granted partner status within BRICS.

Naturally, the summit also addressed the challenging global situation, including the troubling trends towards the escalation of long-standing conflicts and the emergence of new ones, particularly the situation in Ukraine. Additionally, the sharp escalation in the Middle East was discussed in detail during the BRICS Plus/Outreach/meeting.

Regarding Ukraine, we truly value the genuine commitment of our BRICS partners to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the current situation. I have repeatedly stated that Russia is not only open to negotiations but, at the beginning of this conflict, actively engaged in talks that resulted in a mutually acceptable agreement, which was even initialled by the Ukrainian side. However, the Ukrainian government, influenced by external advice, as they have acknowledged, ultimately rejected this agreement.

The fundamentally hostile approach taken by certain Western countries to escalate and prolong the Ukrainian conflict, aiming to achieve a “strategic defeat” for our country, is profoundly misguided. Such unrealistic expectations can only come from those who are unfamiliar with, or unwilling to acknowledge, Russia’s history, as well as the unity, resilience, and solidarity of the Russian people.

I hope that during your time in Russia, you, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed ambassadors, will help foster a more objective and impartial understanding of our country and its policies in the capitals of the states you represent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The ambassadors of Japan, Canada, Malta, Albania, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Finland are attending this ceremony.

It is no secret that the bilateral contacts at the official level and among businesses and civil society organisations have been reduced to a minimum. Cooperation on important international and regional issues has been frozen as well.

Nevertheless, Russia has always been, and remains, committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and is not seeking confrontation.

I hope that a rational and balanced approach to cooperation with Russia will prevail once again, especially so since the history of your countries’ relations with Russia has deep roots and is filled with examples of mutually beneficial partnerships and enriching cultural exchanges, as well as joint efforts to address pressing international and regional issues.

Since the Ambassador of the State of Israel is in this audience, I will say that Russia is working hard to prevent the current escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from spiraling into a big war in the Middle East.

We believe that a return to the path of reconciliation and a sustainable, long-term resolution is only achievable on a universally recognised international legal basis. The implementation of the two-state solution as approved by the UN Security Council and the General Assembly resolutions is a key prerequisite for restoring peace in the region.

We also have here ambassadors from friendly nations such as Myanmar, Burkina Faso, Malaysia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Argentina, Kenya, Laos, Ethiopia, Niger, and Zimbabwe that are committed to pursuing cooperation with us.

Russia’s cooperation with these countries is multifaceted, mutually beneficial, and truly collaborative, and is built on respect for each other’s sovereign interests. Without a doubt, we will continue to encourage bilateral contacts in politics, the economy, and humanitarian affairs, as well as culture, sports, and education.

Russia’s relations with India, which have attained the level of a particularly privileged strategic partnership, are a case in point. Our countries interact closely in bilateral and multilateral formats such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the G20, and, of course, BRICS. This was clearly reaffirmed during my substantial talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan.

With a large group of African ambassadors present here, I would be remiss not to mention the fact that the first Russian-African Partnership Ministerial Forum will be held in Sochi in furtherance of the decisions made during last year’s Russia-Africa summit. We look forward to seeing its participants address plans to further expand Russia’s ties with African countries. These ties are making strides and are mutually beneficial for all our countries, as they promote economic and social growth, and enhance people’s well-being.

Without a doubt, I could speak just as positively about our relations with each of the friendly countries from Asia and Latin America represented at this ceremony.

I am pleased to see the ambassadors of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan here as well. Your countries are our close neighbours and dear friends, as well as natural strategic partners and allies. I met with your leaders quite recently, in October, during the CIS summit in Moscow. Following the tradition, we will get together again in late December to review our accomplishments during the year and to outline plans for the future. In 2025, we will jointly mark the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which was made possible by the peoples from all CIS countries.

Addressing the Ambassador of Belarus, I would like to emphasise that the fraternal relations between Russia and Belarus have recently gained considerable momentum. By the way, December marks the 25^th anniversary of the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State. The Supreme State Council of the Union State will meet in Minsk to mark this date. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Belarusian friends successful presidential elections in January 2025.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan recently marked the 100^th anniversary of the Kara-Kirghiz Autonomous Region within the RSFSR. This event essentially marked the beginning of the Kyrgyz nation’s consolidation and the formation of its territorial and cultural unity within a single administrative entity, and later a sovereign independent Kyrgyz state with which we share truly allied relations.

Our cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan is rooted in the same spirit. We have done, and continue to do, everything possible to normalise Azerbaijani-Armenian relations and to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus. We will continue to support efforts towards a peace treaty, border delimitation, and the unblocking of economic and transport links in line with the existing 2020–2022 trilateral agreements signed at the top level.

I am pleased to note that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia used the BRICS summit in Kazan to hold a productive discussion on key issues related to achieving lasting peace and interethnic accord in the region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to close by wishing you success in your professional activities and in fulfilling this important diplomatic mission. I hope your time and work in Russia will leave you with favourable impressions.

I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your attention.

I wish you every success in your work.

Closing ceremony of the World Youth Festival

2024-03-08T14:16:08+04:00

The President took part in the closing ceremony of the World Youth Festival.

The World Youth Festival (WYF) held in the Sirius Federal Territory between March 1 and 7 was attended by 20,000 delegates from 190 countries. The goal of the festival is to foster ties between proactive young people from all over the world, who will work together to build a future shared multipolar world based on cooperation and a balance of interests.

Before the ceremony, Vladimir Putin had a brief conversation with foreign participants of the festival who are studying in Russia.

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Address at the festival’s closing ceremony

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, dear friends,

I am sure that you are in a good mood today, but there is bound to be a tinge of sadness because you will be parting with those who have become your friends, your new friends.

When we were inviting you to come to Russia, we set ourselves the fairly simple tasks of creating conditions of freedom, creativity and friendship for you to interact with each other and meet new friends and possibly partners in your future projects. I hope that we succeeded. (Applause.) Thank you very much for this assessment.

However, you have done more than we expected. You have created a real city of world youth here, in the south of Russia. Thank you.

You are all so different. I look at you, and I can see what a diverse group you are. I have met just now with young people from different countries who are studying in Russia. They are all so different. So how did you manage to crate this city of world youth when you are so diverse? There must be something you all have in common. Today, in Russia we describe it as our traditional values. They form the foundation of our life, our existence. This means that there is something that unites us. And the first thing that comes to mind is that although we may look different – take the young people over there! Hello! – we may be different in appearance, skin colour and everything else, but there is something that brings us together. What is it? It is that all of us are human beings. And we are all equal.

If we are all equal, there is no place for anyone’s exclusivity in the world. There is no place for arrogance, segregation or other behaviours that stem from the distorted notion of someone’s exclusivity.

We are all equal from the moment we are born. We are equal from the moment when [we are born] thanks to our mother and father – and this is exactly how humans are born, there is no other way even with modern technology. It is always a male and a female parent.

By the way, many countries will soon be celebrating International Women’s Day. Let us applaud our women.

So, we are all born equal but the question is, do we grow and develop under equal conditions? The answer is, unfortunately, not. This is the greatest injustice in today’s world order.

If you ask me what can be done for everybody to live and to grow under equal conditions, unlocking their talents for the benefit of their loved ones, their family, their country and perhaps humanity as a whole, I do not know. But what I do know for certain is that we all must strive for it. Only by striving for it will we make the world more transparent, just, democratic, sustainable, balanced and safe.

Dear friends,

You have come to Russia and made many new friends. I want all of you to know that the entire Russia is now your friend. Our doors are always open for you and your noble intentions.

I believe you will achieve great success. One of this festival’s slogans is “We begin the future together.” Let us believe that this future has already begun. It depends on all of you what kind of future it will be.

I wish you the best. Be happy!

Gala reception for participants in the second Russia–Africa Summit

2023-10-30T14:12:34+04:00

Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the gala reception hosted in honour of the participants in the second Russia–Africa Summit.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome once again to the participants in the second Russia–Africa Summit and the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

Friends, we are happy that heads of state and government and leading politicians and government officials from practically all African countries have arrived in St Petersburg. The leaders of executive bodies of African integration associations are also present here.

Such a representative range of participants gathered in our northern capital, as we call St Petersburg, convincingly illustrates the mutual desire of Russia and African countries to expand and deepen mutually beneficial ties and contacts. This is also a real confirmation of our common intentions to take Russia-Africa relations to a new, more advanced level in politics, security, in the economic and social spheres.

We are convinced that the St Petersburg summit will help us reach this main goal in full measure. We are looking to the future with optimism because Russia-Africa relations rest on the firm foundation of friendship and mutual assistance, an accumulated positive experience of our joint work and a truly rich and eventful history.

At one time, the Soviet Union rendered African nations tangible support in the struggle against colonialism, racism and apartheid, in the development of statehood and in the consolidation and protection of independence. It helped them lay the foundations of their national economies. It is enough to recall the construction of important infrastructure, energy, industrial and agricultural facilities, of hospitals and schools. Assistance was granted to form and equip combat-ready armed forces. Hundreds of thousands of Africans graduated from our universities. The knowledge and professions they acquired – engineers, economists, doctors, lawyers, to name a few – have brought and are still bringing practical benefits to African states. Russia will continue to expand on these kinds of traditions.

It is equally important to note that today Russia and the African countries stand together for the formation of a just, multipolar world order based on the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respect for peoples' right to determine their own destiny.

And, of course, our country will continue to make a real contribution to settling current crises and preventing the emergence of new hotbeds of tension on the continent, fighting terrorism and extremism, pandemics and hunger, and addressing issues of environmental, food and information security.

Many people in Africa know this saying: “If you want to walk fast – go alone. If you want to walk far – go together.” We are indeed ready to work for the future hand in hand with our African friends, and to build truly strategic interaction and partnership.

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#WeAreTogether award ceremony

2021-12-05T22:48:32+04:00

On International Volunteer Day, Vladimir Putin took part in the #WeAreTogether award ceremony.

The President presented the St Luke of Crimea medals to the nominees for the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award: paediatrician Pavel Berezhansky, volunteer physician in the red zone Olga Zolotukhina, medical volunteer Vladimir Nikolsky, and Head of the #WeAreTogether campaign headquarters in the Kirov Region Yekaterina Sadakova.

Pavel Berezhansky, head of the pulmonary department at the Morozov Children's City Hospital, won the 2021 Volunteer of the Year title for his project offering counselling and support to parents.

The President also took part in The New Year Tree of Wishes event.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, my friends.

I am delighted to welcome you all and congratulate you on Volunteer Day.

Russia is marking Volunteer Day for the fifth time and this certainly is testament to the fact that your activity, your work for the benefit of society and specific people is highly appreciated in our country. We really need sincere and caring people who follow the call of their hearts and come to the aid of others, help address significant problems, achieve tangible results for the common good and, what’s more, offer much-needed, even indispensable support for specific people, a specific person, or specific families.

We know that volunteers have taken on a tremendous load and much responsibility during the pandemic; we know how much effort and warmth they have been investing into overcoming our common hardships. They have been risking their health and even their own lives.

I would like to once again thank everyone who showed this level of solidarity, those who did not step aside in this difficult period, who were not indifferent, who implemented their own initiatives or participated in the nationwide mutual support campaign #WeAreTogether. Non-profits, entrepreneurs, and public organisations are now in its ranks, as are political parties and our leading political force, United Russia. I thank everyone who has helped and is helping doctors work in hospitals and red zones, who help the elderly and anyone else who needs their support.

Your work is inherently noble, much needed, and always in demand. Your example inspires and encourages hundreds of thousands, even millions of our citizens to take similar action.

The volunteer movement is becoming a more powerful force every year. I think it was right to give this name, #WeAreTogether, to your forum, which is traditionally timed to coincide with Volunteer Day, as well as to the best volunteer projects contest, which received over 25,000 applications this year.

These words are imbued with relatable and pragmatic meaning, with an understanding of how important your unity is. That pooling efforts for the sake of our people and our country can always make things better and lead to impressive results in any sphere.

Volunteer work rests on such ideas as creativeness, humanity and mutual assistance – words that are relatable and understandable to everyone. These are universal values capable of erasing artificial barriers, boundaries, and sometimes even disagreements.

Thanks to them, this forum has now acquired an international format and significance – it has brought together volunteers from all regions of our huge country, the Russian Federation, as well as representatives from more than 40 countries. The #WeAreTogether award has also become international this year as well, and it was you who initiated the change. It is now awarded to foreign volunteers and their projects, too. I am delighted to welcome our guests from India, Slovenia, Mexico and other countries.

This kind of partnership and cooperation definitely serves to achieve common goals, helps to find the best and most effective ways to resolve people’s problems and concerns, both at local and global levels.

Once again – mercy, compassion, and an impulse to come to the aid of those for whom times are tough are values that know no boundaries; I would like to emphasise this once again. They unite people, even those who live far from each other – in different countries and on different continents.

Volunteers are keenly sensitive to something called the pulse of events; they go to places where things might be dangerous and are sure to be difficult, where the situation is extreme in the literal sense of the word. For example, this year in the south of Russia people faced the dire consequences of floods, or in Siberia where people were fighting forest fires.

This personal and profound understanding of problems and sore spots increasingly elevate volunteer initiatives to a new level – a level where system-wide, state decisions are made. And of course, I will certainly support all your undertakings, including work in government bodies to support the volunteer movement. This also applies to volunteers having insurance.

I know that even here, at this forum, you continue to help those who need support, that in fact this is a forum for real deeds, for good and kind projects, including for the upcoming New Year holidays.

Those projects are especially important for children at orphanages, as well as children in hospitals who cannot celebrate the New Year with their families and loved ones. They need heartfelt warmth and sincere support, they need a personal touch. And I don’t know anyone capable of providing this kind of support except you.

For my part, as is traditional, I will certainly join you to take part in The New Year Tree of Wishes, a wonderful charity event.

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Ceremony for presenting foreign ambassadors’ letters of credence

2021-12-01T20:30:34+04:00

Vladimir Putin received letters of credence from 20 newly arrived foreign ambassadors. As is traditional, the ceremony took place in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by Lubomir Rehak (Slovak Republic), Dang Minh Khoi (Socialist Republic of Vietnam), Abdullahi Yibaikwal Shehu (Federal Republic of Nigeria), Maju Kake (Republic of Guinea), Hassan Abdi Daoud (Federal Republic of Somalia), Lesley Akyaa Opoku-Ware (Republic of Ghana), Werner Almhofer (Republic of Austria), Mohamed Mahmoud Dahi (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), Davlatshoh Gulmahmadzoda (Republic of Tajikistan), U Lwin Oo (Republic of the Union of Myanmar), Rodrigo de Lima Baena Soares (Federative Republic of Brazil), Augusto da Silva Cunha (Republic of Angola), Giorgio Starace (Italian Republic), Janitha Abewickrema Liyanage (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Akambi Andre Okounlola-Biaou (Republic of Benin), Juan Fernando Holguin Flores (Republic of Ecuador), Rolando Enrique Barrow Noad (Republic of Panama), Yuri Pavel Santacruz Perdomo (Republic of El Salvador), Marcos Gomez Martinez (Kingdom of Spain), and Pavan Kapoor (Republic of India).

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Speech at ceremony for presenting letters of credence

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I am delighted to welcome you to the Kremlin. Due to the unfavourable pandemic situation, we have to hold the ceremony to present your letters of credence in this limited format. I hope you all understand.

I am also happy to personally congratulate all of you on the official start of your diplomatic assignment in the Russian Federation and I wish you every success in fulfilling the honourable and responsible mission entrusted to you, to expand and strengthen ties between the states you represent and Russia. We are genuinely interested in your work being successful and rewarding.

It goes without saying that you can fully count on the support and assistance of the Russian authorities, ministries and agencies, as well as on a benevolent attitude and constructive approach on the part of businesses, the political community and the public in Russia.

I would like to express my confidence that your professional activity in Russia will involve interesting meetings, events, and contacts – well, this infection is bound to go away someday, we must defeat it and life must go back to normal. I really do hope that you will have opportunities to travel around our vast country on business and for pleasure, to get to know its multinational people, various religions, rich history and culture. And I hope that your stay in Russia will leave with the best impressions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Recently, in my speech at the expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Board, I outlined the priorities of Russia’s foreign policy and gave a detailed overview of the current difficult international situation, as well as approaches to settling acute global and regional problems.

We are consistently pursuing the idea that it is possible to effectively cope with the numerous challenges and threats only through joint efforts of the entire global community.

Developments around the coronavirus pandemic constantly remind us about this, too. The vile infection is far from defeated, and, of course, it will not be possible to tackle it in one single country. Unfortunately, in real life everything is different, and the term “vaccine nationalism” is already in use, which, alas, reflects the real state of affairs not only on the commercial vaccine market, but also in providing assistance to countries in need.

In fact, I believe that without joining the efforts of all states, without establishing mutually beneficial and equal cooperation it will be impossible to address such difficult global problems and achieve success in fighting climate change, or countering terrorism and organised crime, or ensuring sustainable development.

This is why we have called on all our international partners to act together, collectively, based on the central coordinating role of the United Nations and the founding principles of interstate communication envisaged in its Charter.

At the same time, we express our concern not only over the fact that the international community is acting separately and cannot unite to address truly important problems, but also over how some of our partners are behaving towards our country, towards Russia, trying to restrain our development in every possible way, to exert sanctions pressure and, moreover, to escalate tensions near our borders.

By the way, the threat on our western border is really growing, and we have mentioned it many times. It is enough to see how close NATO military infrastructure has moved to Russia’s borders. This is more than serious for us.

In this situation, we are taking appropriate military-technical measures. But, I repeat, we are not threatening anyone and it is at the very least irresponsible to accuse us of this, given the real state of affairs. This would mean laying the blame at the wrong door, as the Russian saying goes.

In my speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I already stressed that the priority facing Russian diplomacy at this juncture is to try to ensure that Russia is granted reliable and long-term security guarantees.

While engaging in dialogue with the United States and its allies, we will insist on the elaboration of concrete agreements that would rule out any further eastward expansion of NATO and the deployment of weapons systems posing a threat to us in close proximity to Russia’s territory. We suggest that substantive talks on this topic should be started.

I would like to note in particular that we need precisely legal, juridical guarantees, because our Western colleagues have failed to deliver on verbal commitments they made. Specifically, everyone is aware of the assurances they gave verbally that NATO would not expand to the east. But they did absolutely the opposite in reality. In effect, Russia’s legitimate security concerns were ignored and they continue to be ignored in the same manner even now.

We are not demanding any special terms for ourselves. We understand that any agreements must take into account the interests of both Russia and all other states in the Euro-Atlantic region. A calm and stable situation should be ensured for everyone and is needed by all without exception.

That said, I would like to stress that Russia is interested precisely in constructive collaboration and in equitable international cooperation, and this remains the central tenet of Russian foreign policy. I hope that you will convey this signal to the leaders of your states.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Heads of 20 diplomatic missions are present today at the ceremony. As per tradition, let me say a few words about the relations between Russia and every country you represent.

We are interested in developing relations with the Slovak Republic on the principles of good neighbourly relations and mutual respect, considering the spiritual and cultural closeness of the two nations and common pages of history in fighting against Nazism.

Unfortunately, today our political contacts are limited. However, if the Slovak side is ready, we could return to the mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation that our states supported for many years and that benefitted our nations.

Russia and Vietnam’s comprehensive strategic partnership covers the political, economic and cultural spheres as well as many others. During the useful and substantive talks with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc held yesterday, agreements were reached to further expand Russian-Vietnamese cooperation. The talks reaffirmed that the position of Russia and Vietnam on topical issues on the international agenda are quite similar or completely identical.

The President of Vietnam is continuing his visit, and today he is having meetings with representatives of the Russian leadership, businesses, and public and political circles. An impressive package of documents that envisage implementation of large joint projects, including in the oil and gas sector, will be signed.

We regard Nigeria as a key partner of Russia on the African continent, with whom we have traditionally friendly relations. We talked with President Muhammadu Buhari during the Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi two years ago. We hope that the Nigerian leadership will support Russia’s initiative to hold another meeting between the Russian and African leaders in 2022.

As for specific areas of bilateral cooperation, we find expansion of the detailed dialogue on topical problems related to supporting stability on the global hydrocarbon markets, countering terrorism and religious extremism, to be quite promising.

We hope that political life in the Republic of Guinea, a country friendly to Russia, will soon stabilise, and that national accord will be attained. For many years, Russia has been channelling substantial investment into the Guinean economy. Our companies have been producing and processing mineral commodities in Guinea for many years. It is now time to implement new interesting projects, including those in the sphere of energy, infrastructure, fisheries and agriculture.

We advocate expanded cooperation with the Federal Republic of Somalia. Your Government is working actively to strengthen the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is fighting terrorism and extremism, striving to create favourable conditions for the socioeconomic revival. And, of course, we hope that all these efforts will be crowned with success.

Our relations with the Republic of Ghana are developing steadily. We are expanding our interaction in the field of trade and energy, including the peaceful nuclear development. We jointly produce minerals and hydrocarbons. And, of course, we will continue to train professionals for various sectors of Ghana’s economy.

Russia and Austria are developing their relations on a constructive and pragmatic foundation, while relying on the principles of mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests. We are long-standing and reliable partners in the trade, investment and energy sphere. Mutual trade continues to expand despite the pandemic. In the first six months of 2021, bilateral trade soared by 26.5 percent, a very good indicator.

This country values Austria’s policy of permanent neutrality, as well as Vienna’s authority as a generally recognised negotiating venue for multilateral diplomacy.

There are favourable opportunities for expanding trade and economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, including in the area of high-seas fisheries where we cooperate closely. We appreciate your country’s substantial contribution to fighting terrorism in the Sahara-Sahel zone.

Next year marks the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Tajikistan which is a good friend and reliable ally of Russia. This year, Tajik friends successfully presided in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. Our countries cooperate closely within the framework of these organisations and also within the Commonwealth of Independent States, and they coordinate their positions on topical regional matters.

In view of the complicated situation in neighbouring Afghanistan, Russia is providing assistance to its Tajik friends in maintaining security, including under a programme to modernise the armed forces of Tajikistan.

Ties between Russia and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar are traditionally friendly. We believe that our joint efforts can further develop our successful cooperation in the economic, military-technical and educational spheres.

We are in favour of resolving the problems related to the tense internal political and ethno-religious situation in the country without outside interference, by the Myanmar themselves, on the basis of a political dialogue.

Brazil is an important strategic partner of Russia. We work together at the BRICS forum and G20. Given the fact that in 2022–2023 your country will become a non-permanent member of the [United Nations] Security Council, we will cooperate more intensely at the UN on the topical issues on the global agenda.

In addition to this, we will continue to progressively strengthen bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, energy, scientific, and technological spheres, and others. We will be glad to see the President of Brazil in Russia.

Friendly relations with the Republic of Angola have withstood the test of time. What matters most is that, together with our Angolan friends, we intend to fully develop our comprehensive cooperation, to promote our political dialogue and carry on our joint work in trade, investment, and culture among other things. In particular, these things were discussed during the Angolan Foreign Minister’s visit to Russia in October.

The relations with the Republic of Italy are built on our strong traditions of cooperation, close historical and cultural ties, as well as a sincere liking between the two nations.

This year, Italy has successfully presided in G20 and held quite a fruitful summit of the group dedicated to countering the pandemic, restoring the global economy, and preserving the climate. We provided our comprehensive support to Italy’s presidency. We have regular telephone conversations with Prime Minister Draghi to discuss current issues on the international, regional and bilateral agenda.

Let me mention that this year, the implementation of a large joint initiative, the Cross Year of Museums, continues in the cultural field.

Next year, we will mark the 65^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. Good contacts have been established between foreign ministries, defence ministries and ministries of the economic bloc, as well as between parliaments. By the way, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Nikolai Patrushev has just visited Colombo, on November 22.

Since 2009, Sri Lanka has been involved in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a dialogue partner, and it contributes to efforts facilitating the security of the Eurasian region and its sustainable socioeconomic growth.

We continue to expand our interaction with the Republic of Benin. Notably, we are drafting an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation and a memorandum of understanding in the area of sport. Russian companies are interested in participating in joint geological prospecting, energy and infrastructure projects in Benin.

Ecuador ranks among Russia’s three largest Latin American trade partners. Stable supplies of Russian hydrocarbons are an important factor in the sustainable development of the Ecuadorean economy. In turn, Ecuador’s diverse agricultural produce is quite popular on the Russian market.

In August 2021, I had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Ecuador, Mr Guillermo Lasso, and we agreed to further promote bilateral ties, to maintain proactive political dialogue and expand interdepartmental contacts, including those between the prosecutor general’s offices and emergency response services and to help implement joint projects in various fields.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Russia and the Republic of Panama, and we are determined to continue our political contacts, as well as trade and investment and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

Russian businesses are attracted to Panama, a major logistic and financial centre, making it possible to deliver goods, services and capital to the entire vast Latin American region.

Next year, we will mark the 30^th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with the Republic of El Salvador. We have established friendly and equitable interaction with this country, as well as traditions of mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors.

An intergovernmental cooperation agreement on joint anti-crime efforts, especially those aiming to fight organised crime, is at the ratification stage. Russia is helping El Salvador to develop its hydropower industry. We are interested in further expanding our trade and economic cooperation, as well as educational and professional exchanges.

We attach great importance to contacts and cooperation with Spain, and they are progressing nicely. Next year, we will jointly celebrate the 45^th anniversary of restoring diplomatic relations.

It should be noted that despite the pandemic, bilateral trade is improving. Joint projects are moving forward, mutually beneficial dialogue is being maintained at the political level, as are very active business and cultural ties.

Next week, I will visit India. During talks with Prime Minister Modi, we will outline new large-scale initiatives for the further development of the especially privileged Russian-Indian relationship, the Russian-Indian strategic partnership.

This partnership brings real mutual benefit to both states. Bilateral trade shows good dynamics; ties are actively developing in the energy sector, innovation, space, and the production of coronavirus vaccines and medicines. There is extensive cooperation in the defence sector, including through the creation of joint ventures.

India is one of the authoritative centres of the multipolar world with a foreign policy philosophy and priorities that are closely aligned with our own. I am convinced that, relying on strong traditions of friendship and mutual understanding, we will continue working together to expand the full range of Russian-Indian ties.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I just briefly touched on Russia's relations with the states you represent. I hope that with your active participation, these relations will be filled with new content, mutually beneficial projects, useful initiatives and, in general, will make rapid progress for the benefit of the people of our countries and in the interests of international security and stability.

I wish you success, good health and all the best. I am not sure, it is unlikely that we will be able to meet before the New Year in this composition – the New Year is just around the corner. So, Happy New Year!

Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much.

Ceremony for presenting foreign ambassadors’ letters of credence

2020-11-25T11:09:58+04:00

Vladimir Putin received letters of credence from newly arrived foreign ambassadors. By tradition, the ceremony took place in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by Sin Hong Chol (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), Frank Mushyo Kamanzi (Republic of Rwanda), Shafqat Ali Khan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), Eitvydas Bajarunas (Republic of Lithuania), Meegahalande Durage Lamawansa (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Juan Genaro Del Campo Rodriguez (Republic of Peru), Bala Chandran Tharman (Malaysia), Arni Thor Sigurdsson (Republic of Iceland), Antti Helantera (Republic of Finland), Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber (United Arab Emirates), Georges Faber (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg), Milorad Scepanovic (Montenegro), Julio Antonio Garmendia Pena (Republic of Cuba), Marc Michielsen (Kingdom of Belgium), Abdulrahman Bin Suleiman Al Ahmed (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Alhagi Nyangado (Republic of The Gambia), Archbishop Giovanni d'Aniello (Apostolic Nuncio – Ambassador of the Holy See), Leon Dodonou-Punagaza (Central African Republic), Alexander Ben Zvi (State of Israel), and Aimone of Savoy-Aosta (ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta).

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you to the ceremony for presenting letters of credence. Despite the well-known and necessary restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic, we considered it important to hold this event in the Kremlin, as usual.

I wanted to congratulate you personally on the official start of your work, your diplomatic mission in Russia and to wish you every success and fruitful work to develop cooperation between the countries you represent and the Russian Federation.

Gentlemen,

You can be sure that all your constructive undertakings and initiatives will always meet the most favourable response, support and assistance from government bodies, as well as from the business community and the general public in our country.

Colleagues,

This year has been very difficult and unpredictable for all of us. As I said, the world is facing the coronavirus pandemic. This required the adoption of extraordinary measures both in Russia and in all your counties.

I am convinced that in the face of such an unprecedented challenge, the international community has no alternative but to join efforts. After all, the cornerstone is the fundamental value: the lives and health of our citizens.

As you know, Russia has developed and is already using the world's first vaccine against coronavirus, Sputnik V, and the second EpiVacCorona has also been registered. Now the most important thing is to ensure mass production in Russia and start a public vaccination campaign. Our third vaccine is also almost ready.

We are ready to share our experience with all interested states and international agencies. Together with a number of our foreign partners, we are working out the issues of launching the production of these vaccines locally at our partners’ production base.

The pandemic has aggravated problems in the global economy, in trade, the social sphere and environmental protection. But this does not mean that previous challenges and threats like international terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime are gone. The entire system of international security, strategic stability and arms control is under very serious pressure.

Let me emphasise again that it is possible to search for optimal, satisfactory solutions to these problems only on the basis of equitable participation of all members of the international community, universal standards of international law and a coordinating, central role of the United Nations.

The anniversaries of the UN and the end of World War II are observed this year. Nazism was defeated and the ideology of aggression and hatred was crushed 75 years ago. The experience and spirit of cooperation and allied relations, as well as the realisation of the enormous price that was paid for peace and a shared victory allowed the world to lay the foundations of the post-war world order.

The allied spirit and a desire for honest cooperation among partners are especially in demand in the current situation. I am convinced that despite all the current difficulties and differences, it is necessary to vigorously remove them, move forward and promote a unifying international agenda.

We were guided exactly by this motive when we made an initiative to hold a summit of the UN Security Council permanent members, that is, the countries that bear special responsibility for global security and stability. We hope the summit will take place and we will meet offline as soon as the epidemiological situation allows this.

I would like to note that on a par with other countries this month Russia took part in major international events at top level in BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the G20 and the East Asia Summit. I hope that implementation of the agreements reached at these events will help us not only to overcome the impact of the pandemic but also improve the global situation and ensure sustainable and predictable development overall.

It is worthy of special mention that Russia has been making considerable efforts as an intermediary in the settlement of a lingering conflict. We acted energetically to stop the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, which had claimed the lives of thousands of people in Azerbaijan and Armenia, both of which are Russia’s friends.

While doing this, we acted in accordance with the main agreements reached by the OSCE Minsk Group, in particular, its co-chairs: Russia, the United States and France. Our most important achievement is that we have stopped the bloodshed and put the ceasefire agreement on paper in a trilateral Statement by the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia.

The Russian peacekeeping force, which has been deployed in the region in accordance with this Statement, is monitoring compliance with the ceasefire, ensuring the safety of peaceful civilians and accompanying the returning refugees and humanitarian deliveries. Overall, the situation is stabilising.

The Russian Humanitarian Response Centre will start working to provide assistance to people in the affected areas, rebuild infrastructure and create conditions for a normal peaceful life. We hope that specialised international organisations will provide considerable assistance to these efforts.

We believe that all these efforts will create prerequisites for a lasting and full-scale settlement of that protracted conflict on the basis of justice and in the interests of the Azerbaijani and Armenian people.

Gentlemen,

By tradition I would like to say a few words about Russia’s relations with each of the countries you represent.

We favour further consolidation of neighbourly relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The 75^th anniversary of its liberation was also marked this year. Red Army soldiers fought for its freedom and independence shoulder to shoulder with the Korean patriots.

We are ready to continue developing the entire range of bilateral ties, as we agreed during the Russia-North Korea summit in Vladivostok in April 2019.

As for the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula, our position on it is well known: this problem must be resolved only by diplomatic efforts, through negotiations.

Our relations with the Republic of Rwanda are developing in a friendly spirit. Our Rwandan colleagues took an active and interested part in the first Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi last year. In accordance with the agreements reached at this summit, Russia and Rwanda are expanding their cooperation in power engineering, including the nuclear power industry and geological prospecting. We continue training Rwandan civilian and military personnel at Russian universities.

We are going to further strengthen our mutually beneficial ties with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in developing the economy, trade and power engineering and in ensuring regional security. We are satisfied with our partner cooperation with Islamabad at the UN and the SCO, which rests on our commitment to international law and close positions on the majority of key foreign policy issues.

We believe our cooperation with Lithuania could be more active and varied, all the more so since we are next door neighbours. We are ready to cooperate on the principles of neighbourliness and respect for each other and would like our Lithuanian colleagues to adopt the same approach.

We have good relations with Sri Lanka. We are determined to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy and culture. Our countries interact constructively in the international arena, in particular, as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where Sri Lanka has the status of a dialogue partner.

We maintain partnership relations with the Republic of Peru. We work together at the UN and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. We stand in solidarity on important international issues such as countering terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime.

We sincerely hope that the leadership and citizens of Peru will successfully overcome the current internal political differences acting within the framework of the constitution and law.

We are interested in advancing the political dialogue and strengthening trade and economic interaction with Malaysia.

Last week, I participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which was chaired by your country. Despite the pandemic-related difficulties, our Malaysian partners did a great job and drafted a large package of final documents for approval by the leaders, including a joint statement on the long-term development guidelines of APEC to 2040.

We are determined to further strengthen constructive ties with Iceland, both bilaterally and as part of multilateral formats. Incidentally, Iceland is now chairing the Arctic Council and will hand over the chairmanship to Russia next year.

We see good opportunities for implementing joint projects in fishing, fish processing and shipbuilding, as well as innovative technologies, geothermal energy and agriculture.

We traditionally maintain close and truly neighbourly relations with our northern neighbour, the Republic of Finland, both in terms of political dialogue and cooperation in trade, the economy and other areas. President Sauli Niinistö and I regularly and constructively discuss current bilateral and international matters, including ways to improve stability and security in the Baltic Sea region and Europe in general.

Our relations with the United Arab Emirates are making steady progress. I would like to mention that our state visit to Abu Dhabi took place in October 2019 and we had very successful talks with the UAE’s leaders. We hope to continue to maintain a sincere partner dialogue with this country. We have many areas for cooperation – investment, medicine and energy.

Russia’s cooperation with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is being actively developed in politics and the economy, and in the cultural-humanitarian field.

Using this opportunity, I would like to express gratitude to Prime Minister Mr Bettel for his initiative to establish a monument to the Soviet citizens sent by the Nazis to the Grand Duchy for forced labour during the years of the Great Patriotic War. We are paying attention to this. Let me assure you that the Russian people appreciate this very much.

The peoples of Russia and Montenegro are tied by centuries-long traditions of friendship and spiritual affinity. We hope that our interstate relations will also develop in this vein. Russia is very interested in this.

The Republic of Cuba is Russia’s reliable partner. Our bilateral cooperation is of a strategic character. We are carrying out large joint projects in the energy sector, metallurgy, transport infrastructure and medicine where Cuba is a leader in many ways. We are also expanding our humanitarian contacts.

Cuba enjoys high prestige in the international arena and our dialogue on major foreign policy issues is distinguished by a high level of trust.

We are interested in continuing our practical work to develop trade, economic and cultural ties with the Kingdom of Belgium. It is important to maintain regular contact on urgent international issues as well. This is in our common interests.

Russia’s relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the leading states in the Middle East, are on the upsurge. Recently, they have taken on a larger and more comprehensive nature, which was facilitated by our state visit to Riyadh in October 2019.

Russia and Saudi Arabia actively cooperate in the OPEC Plus format and make a joint contribution to the stability of world energy markets, for which we are very grateful to His Majesty the King, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Crown Prince.

I would like to congratulate our Saudi colleagues on their successful organisation of the G20 summit recently. We understand what a complicated task it was. We will continue to work hard at implementing its decisions.

We have stable ties with the Republic of The Gambia. We continue to develop contacts on international issues and deepen our cooperation in different areas, including in the military-technical and education areas.

We maintain a meaningful dialogue with the Vatican based on adherence to traditional universal human values. Our cooperation in strengthening interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony, countering terrorism and extremism and any form of racial intolerance is expanding in the spirit of the agreements reached during my meeting with Pope Francis last July.

December marks the 60^th anniversary of Russia's diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic. We sincerely wish for an early settlement to the challenging situation in your country and we support UN Stabilisation Mission activities in the CAR.

Our relations with Israel are mutually beneficial and multifaceted; we maintain a substantive political dialogue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I regularly talk about important items on the international and regional agendas. We are in constant contact.

Russia and Israel are united in their determination to preserve the truth about World War II, to counter attempts to falsify history or to forget about the Holocaust martyrs and other victims of Nazism.

Importantly, our countries’ specialised agencies have established cooperation in fighting the coronavirus, including the potential supply and production of a Russian vaccine in Israel.

We value our relationship with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta based on our unique historical ties and traditions of cultural and people-to-people interaction.

Gentlemen,

I have mentioned just a few aspects of Russia's relations with the states you represent. These are just small parts of the broad field of interaction we enjoy with your countries. We look forward to seeing these relations develop dynamically with your active participation for the benefit of the peoples of our countries and in the interest of international security and stability.

I sincerely wish you every success in your work in Russia, all the best and, of course – the most important wish today – good health.

Gentlemen, I think we will still be able, as is customary during the ceremony for presenting the letters of credence, to raise our glasses of champagne – of course, those of you whose religion allows it, and those whom it does not can talk and shake hands.

I want to wish you all the best once again. Despite the fact that right now the weather in Russia, at least in Moscow, might look gloomy at first glance, life in Moscow, including political life, continues unabated. I am sure that you will have a lot to enjoy, and that you will personally benefit from spending this period of your lives here.

Thank you very much for your attention.

All the best. I congratulate you on starting your work in the Russian Federation. Good luck.

Unveiling of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier

2020-07-04T12:21:05+04:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended the ceremony to unveil the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier.

Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko laid flowers on the pedestal of the statue and honoured with a minute of silence the memory of soldiers who died in the battles near Rzhev in 1942–1943. The heads of the two states also addressed the veterans and participants in the unveiling ceremony.

After that the presidents of Russia and Belarus planted two fir-trees as part of the Memory Garden international event and visited a pavilion of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The initiative to build the memorial came from Great Patriotic War veterans. In 2017, they wrote to the Committee of the Union State of Russia and Belarus and to scouts of the Russian Military Historical Society (RMHS) asking them to perpetuate the memory of their wartime comrades on the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of Victory.

Sculptor Andrei Korobtsov and architect Konstantin Fomin won the contract following an open international competition for best architectural and artistic design for the project. It involved a 25-metere bronze statue of a Soviet soldier to be installed in the centre of the memorial complex standing on a ten-metre high mound. A wide road leads to the mound, with broken walls on both sides carrying documentary images of Red Army soldiers and commanders and thousands of names of the servicemen who perished near Rzhev.

* * *

Remarks at the unveiling of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Dear veterans, Mr Lukashenko, friends.

Today we are paying tribute to everybody who fought here, on the battlefields near Rzhev, who selflessly defended our Fatherland and gave their lives for the Great Victory.

Not so long ago, the battles near Rzhev were hardly ever mentioned in official history sources. Direct participants only offered few scarce words about those events. It was too hard to remember that terrible Rzhev Meat Grinder, as it is sometimes called. Fierce, exhausting and agonised fighting continued in this area for months. Soldiers fought for every single grove, elevation, for every square metre of land.

It is impossible to think about the Red Army’s losses in those battles without pain. More than 1.3 million people were killed, injured or went missing. It is a horrifying, unthinkable number.

The significance of that long and bloody battle for the Victory of the Soviet people over Nazism is huge. The Soviet Army finally made it clear that the enemy will not be able to turn around and advance the attack on Moscow again; nor will it be able to break and subjugate the people who stood up for their Motherland’s defence. Every time a soldier fell, another one rose up behind him. The unbelievable intensity of that battle exhausted the enemy, crushed and slowly destroyed the giant military machine of the Third Reich.

Step by step, day after day, the battles near Rzhev brought closer the triumphant outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad and the long-awaited breaking of the Leningrad Siege, the liberation of Byelorussia, Ukraine and Baltic countries – and the final and critical change in the course of the entire Second World War.

We will always remember the high price the Soviet people paid for the Victory, the brunt borne and repelled by the Red Army where representatives of all Soviet republics and ethnicities fought side by side. More than 8.5 million Red Army soldiers never returned home; they perished in battle, in captivity or died in hospitals – and this statistic is not yet final.

The Rzhev Memorial is another symbol of our common memory, the symbol of our worship for the great and selfless heroic deed of the hero soldier, the liberator soldier, the winner soldier, the soldier who saved Europe and the entire world from Nazism. Time has no grip over this deed and it cannot and must not be forgotten or erased or besmirched by lies and falsifications. We will not let this happen.

Lives destroyed by the war will always remain with us like an open wound. Like now, the valour and stamina of our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers as well as their endless love and loyalty to their Motherland will serve as an essential moral guidance for us. We have to be worthy of this highest moral standard in our deeds and activities today and protect and preserve the historical truth like a living thread that unites generations both in Russia and abroad.

My warmest thanks to the search teams who return names to the fallen soldiers and a piece of family history to their families and descendants. These searches must continue here, on this long-suffering land.

I would like to thank everyone who took part in establishing this memorial, the organisations of the Union State of Russia and Belarus as well as our people who gave donations for the creation of the memorial, the Russian Military and Historical Society and, of course, our talented designers. They all have done a wonderful job.

Everyone who fought near Rzhev passed through inhuman ordeals, fought to the bitter end for more than a year and did everything they could for Victory. Our sacred duty is to respect and remember every hero. It was a matter of honour and conscience to immortalise their heroic deeds.

My deepest gratitude to all the soldiers and commanders.

Glory to the heroes of Rzhev, the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War and eternal memory to the fallen.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Mr Putin,

Veterans, compatriots and friends.

War always brings blood, horror and death. In its inhumane and violent reality, there are frontiers defending which means unbelievable sacrifice. Rzhev was one such frontier because the capital of our Motherland and our entire great country was behind it. The soil here was on fire; stones were melting and armour was crumbling. But Soviet soldiers did not surrender. They fought hand to hand against the enemy. When they ran out of bullets, they bled to death on the snow in the bitter cold but stood to the last man.

Hundreds of thousands of heroes perished near Rzhev and for every single one of them, it was the last foot of home land – the same that the Brest Fortress, the Neva Bridgehead near Leningrad, the Buinichi Field near Mogilev and Mamayev Kurgan in Stalingrad was for other warriors.

Today we are unveiling a memorial to the soldiers that represented all peoples of the Soviet Union. We are repaying our filial duty, a duty of blessed memory.

As long as we build memorials, as long as we visit them, we will not fight again and will be able to prevent another horrible tragedy. As soon as we forget the road to these sacred places, we will certainly have to start fighting. This is the significance of our actions on these blessed occasions.

I would like to join the President of Russia in expressing gratitude to the creators of this monumental memorial. I also want to thank the Russian leadership, the Standing Committee of the Union State and the Tver Region Government, the Russian Military History Society, the creative team and every member of the public who contributed to building this memorial.

Unveiling this memorial as well as the festivities in the Russian capital last week, the memorial rally at the Brest Fortress and the Victory Day parade in Minsk on May 9 once again demonstrated that these Victory, memory and glory belong to both of our countries and we will continue to cherish them. They are the connection between the times and the generations, the invisible line that connects the hearts of all the peoples who fought in that horrible war, especially Belarusians and Russians.

With deep gratitude, we bow to the courage and tenacity of everybody who gave their lives for the freedom of the present and future generations.

I am confident that the Soviet Soldier Memorial near Rzhev will always be a symbol of unbreakable friendship between Russia and Belarus, and a place of our common pride and admiration for the heroism of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers.

We will not let anybody disparage the Great Victory, distort the truth about those events and rehabilitate Nazism. Otherwise, the same tragedy may happen again. Belarus and Russia sacrificed millions of their people for the peace on this planet and we are absolutely united in this aspiration.

Dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War,

You demonstrated an example of unparalleled courage, patriotism, love for freedom and moral strength to the entire world. We bow down before your immortal heroism, valour, bravery and loyalty to the Fatherland.

On this glorious day, allow me to wish all Belarusians and Russians good health, longevity and prosperity. Most importantly, I wish that the sky over your heads remains peaceful, which is why we always gather to mark this celebration.

Lest we forget our fallen heroes!

Parade marking 75th anniversary of Great Victory

2020-07-05T14:48:44+04:00

President of Russia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin attended the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, President of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Serb Chairman of the Presidency ofBosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik arrived in Moscow for the commemorative events. Before the parade, Vladimir Putin welcomed the invited heads of state in the Heraldic Hall of the Moscow Kremlin.

Over 14,000 service personnel, more than 200 units of military hardware and 75 aircraft were engaged in the military parade to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Defence Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu reviewed the parade, which was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces Army General Oleg Salyukov.

At the onset of the Parade, the colour guard of the Preobrazhensky Regiment's battalion carried the Banner of Victory and the national flag of the Russian Federation into Red Square.

Officers and soldiers of the army, law enforcement agencies and cadets of military academies, military schools and Young Army members marched in over 40 parade formations.

Alongside Russian service personnel, parade formations from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan took part in the parade

Apart from known military hardware, over 20 samples of new military equipment were showcased at the anniversary parade.

Deeply upgraded T90-M and T-80BVM tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles with the Berezhok fighting compartment, Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle with a 57 mm combat module, Armata infantry fighting vehicle with the Kinzhal fighting module, Derivatisya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery systems, Buk-3M and S-350 “Vityaz” air defence systems, and S-300V4 Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft systems drove along Red Square.

In addition, Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems, Bal coastal missile systems, Taifun-K and Taifun-K VDV all-wheel-drive protected vehicles with remotely controlled combat modules, TOS-2 heavy flame-throwing systems, and ISDM remote mining system vehicles participated in the parade.

The airborne part of the parade was represented by 75 aircraft flying in 16 groups. Thus, the Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter flew by accompanied by four Mi-8 helicopters, three groups of five Mi-35, Ka-52 and Mi-28 helicopters in each of them. Military transport, special and long-range aviation was represented by A-50, Il-76, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160 and Il-78 aircraft. Two groups of MiG-29 and Su-24 fighter jets of the tactical air force flew over in the “peleng” combat echelon. Bringing up the rear were two groups of one element each of MiG-31K and Su-57 aircraft.

In the final part, a formation of 10 tactical force jets in a compact tactical fighter wing and Russian Knights and Strizhi aerobatic teams took part in a fly-past over Red Square. To conclude the airborne part, a group of six Su-25 attack jets flew over spraying aerosols that matched the colours of the Russian national flag.

* * *

The President’s speech at the military parade

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: People of Russia,

Our dear veterans,

Foreign guests,

Soldiers and sailors, sergeants, warrant officers and ensigns, Officers, generals and admirals,

I wish you all the best on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A victory that determined the future of the planet for decades to come and went down in history as the grandest in its scale, significance and moral value.

This year, the traditional Victory Day celebrations are being held in Russia on June 24. Exactly 75 years ago, the legendary victors paraded right here, along the Kremlin wall, to commemorate the end of the Great Patriotic War.

That parade went down in history as a triumph of unprecedented scale, the triumph of good over evil, of peace over war, and life over death.

On behalf of all the defenders of the Fatherland, they threw the defeated banners and standards of the Nazis down to the ground with contempt, as a sign of just retribution and dire warning.

The combined regiments of various fronts and fleets marched through Red Square. And everyone who fought for their homeland bravely, not sparing themselves, who returned with Victory, as well as millions of soldiers who remained forever on the battlefields invisibly joined their firm measured march.

Today we bow our heads to the sacred memory of all those who never came back, to the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fellow soldiers, relatives and friends. We grieve over the veterans who have already left us.

I proclaim a moment of silence.

(A moment of silence.)

We will always remember that Nazism was crushed by the Soviet people – by millions of people of different ethnicity from all republics of the Soviet Union.

At the front and in the rear, in partisan groups and underground resistance, they fought and worked relying on their courage and unity. Having defended their homeland, they continued to fight. They liberated European countries from the invaders, put an end to the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust, and saved the people of Germany from Nazism with its deadly ideology.

It is impossible to even imagine what would have happened to the world had it not been for the Red Army that stood up to defend it.

Its soldiers did not want war, or other countries, or glory, or honours. All they wanted was to finish off the enemy, to gain victory and return home. And they paid an irreparable price for Europe’s freedom. Many hundreds of thousands of soldiers died in foreign lands.

Our duty is to always remember this. Remember that the Soviet people shouldered the main burden of the fight against Nazism.

In 1941, over 80 percent of the armed forces of Germany and its satellites were concentrated to fight the Soviet Union. But this ruthless armada proved powerless against the cohesion of the Soviet people.

It was our people who defeated the terrible, total evil, crushed more than 600 divisions, destroyed 75 percent of the total number of Nazi aircraft, tanks, artillery units, and walked their righteous and infinitely sacrificial path to the end, to their victorious destination.

This is the main truth about the war, honest and clear. We must protect and defend it, and pass it on to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Today’s military parade is a tribute to this sacred truth, to the outstanding generation of victors who determined the outcome of the entire World War II.

Representatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will march in this parade along with Russian soldiers.

We are happy to welcome our friends, guests from various countries who came to Moscow to pay tribute to everyone who defended peace on the planet.

We will never forget our allies’ contribution to the common victory, the significance of the second front that opened in June 1944. We honour the brave service members of the armed forces of all countries of the anti-Hitler coalition, and respect the feat of all fighters against Nazism who battled fearlessly in Europe.

In the context of the challenges the planet is facing today, we also know, and are especially keenly aware of what the greatest value is – people, their dreams, joys, hopes, and a peaceful, tranquil and creative life.

We understand how important it is to strengthen friendship and trust between nations, and are open to dialogue and cooperation on the most pressing issues on the international agenda.

Among them is the creation of a common reliable security system, something the complex and rapidly changing modern world needs. Only together can we protect the world from new dangerous threats.

Friends,

The surviving veterans of the Great Patriotic War now live in many different countries. But their great joint feat of saving entire nations from eradication, barbarism and enslavement cannot be split and divided. That heroic deed, without any exaggeration, is the legacy of all humankind.

Dear veterans, our gratitude to you is immeasurable. You have proven with your life and your fight how important it is to be able to defend the values of peace, humanism and justice.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that the memory of your heroic accomplishments never fades. It is our duty of conscience and our responsibility to the present and the future.

Glory to the generation that defeated Nazism!

Glory to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War!

Hoorah!

Presentation of foreign ambassadors’ letters of credence

2020-02-05T19:59:00+04:00

Vladimir Putin received letters of credence from 23 newly-appointed foreign ambassadors. The ceremony was held in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s Alexander Hall.

Letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by Graeme Leslie Meehan (Australia), Lotfi Bouchaara (Kingdom of Morocco), Zhang Hanhui (People’s Republic of China), Malena Mard (Kingdom of Sweden), Geza Andreas von Geyr (Germany), Brian McElduff (Ireland), Miroslav Lazanski (Republic of Serbia), Sadasivan Premjith (Republic of Singapore), Eat Seyla (Kingdom of Cambodia), Ekaterini Nassika (Hellenic Republic),Abdulrahman Hamid Mohammed Al-Hussaini (Republic of Iraq), Mohamed Sherif Kourta (People's Democratic Republic of Algeria), Dulamsuren Davaa (Mongolia), Tarak ben Salem (Republic of Tunisia), Kazem Jalali (Islamic Republic of Iran), Kamrul Ahsan (People's Republic of Bangladesh), Deborah Jane Bronnert (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), Si'alei van Toor (New Zealand), Alison LeClaire (Canada), Pierre Levy (French Republic), John J. Sullivan (United States), Efrain Villarreal Arenales (Republic of Panama) and Yermek Kosherbayev (Republic of Kazakhstan).

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to welcome you in the Kremlin at this ceremony to present your credentials and to congratulate you on officially commencing your diplomatic activities here in Russia.

You have an important and serious mission: to promote the development of comprehensive relations between the countries you represent and Russia. We proceed from the fact that you will be responsible for expanding our political dialogue and trade and economic ties as well as deepening cultural exchanges and promoting people-to-people contacts. And we are sincerely interested in making your embassies’ work in these key spheres successful. You can always count on the help of the Russian official agencies as well as businesses and civil circles. All your useful endeavours will definitely be supported.

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the end of WWII. In May we invite foreign leaders and delegations to attend celebrations marking the great Victory in Moscow to commemorate the memory of millions of victims, pay tribute to the veterans and show our committal to the ideals of peace, freedom and justice. The victor countries, members of the anti-Hitler coalition, made these ideals the foundation of the post-war world order embodied in the United Nations Charter 75 years ago.

Unfortunately, nowadays humankind is coming ever closer to a dangerous line. Regional conflicts are multiplying, the threats of terrorism and extremism are growing and the arms control system is being uprooted. The global economy is also unstable.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today’s ceremony is attended by the heads of diplomatic missions of 23 countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia. By tradition, I would like to say a few words about our bilateral relations.

Russia favours pragmatic and business-like cooperation with Australia. We are giving support to the business circles of both countries in their effort to implement mutually beneficial joint projects and are facilitating the expansion of humanitarian contacts.

We are satisfied with the present state of collaboration with Morocco. Our states have achieved decent results in mutual trade, agriculture, and deep-sea fisheries. There are opportunities for advanced Russian technologies and R&D results to reach the Moroccan market.

Our relations with the People’s Republic of China are at an unprecedentedly high level. In fact, this is a comprehensive strategic partnership. Bilateral trade is consistently being built up. The Power of Siberia gas pipeline has been put into operation. Ties in the field of defence and military-technical cooperation are developing successfully. In April, we are planning to launch the Russian-Chinese cross Year of Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation. Our two countries coordinate their positions on key global and regional problems and work in unison at international organisations and associations, including the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. China and all of us have come face to face with the threat of the coronavirus. Leaders of the PRC have been taking resolute and energetic measures to halt the epidemic. We are ready to render help and every kind of assistance to the friendly Chinese people.

We are keen to promote cooperation with Sweden in the spirit of good-neighbourliness and mutual respect. Held in St Petersburg last year, our talks with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven have confirmed that our two countries have the capacity for invigorating our economic, cultural and humanitarian contacts and for joint work on matters related to the Baltic Sea and other regional affairs.

Russia attaches much importance to promoting constructive collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany. We regularly discuss with Ms Chancellor Angela Merkel current international and bilateral issues. We have supported the idea to hold a conference on a Libyan settlement in Berlin and participated in it in the most pro-active manner. Russia and the FRG are intensifying their mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, and energy, and we intend to continue this joint positive work.

Russia and Ireland are striving for closer trade and economic cooperation, including in high technology, innovation and agriculture. There are opportunities for bilateral cooperation in education, culture and similar areas.

Russia and Serbia are linked by a strategic partnership that relies on traditions of friendship and the cultural, spiritual and historical affinity of our fraternal peoples. Last December, meaningful talks were held with President Aleksandar Vucic in Sochi. Important agreements were reached on bilateral cooperation in an entire range of areas: the economy, trade, the power industry, culture and coordination on regional matters. Russia is doing much to help maintain the situation in the Balkans stable and safe. We want Belgrade and Pristina to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the Kosovo problem on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Singapore is Russia’s highly promising partner in the Asia-Pacific Region. We appreciate our political dialogue that is actively promoting practical cooperation. The implementation of the free trade agreement signed by the Eurasian Economic Union and Singapore at the end of last year is designed to give an impetus to mutual trade and investment growth. We hope to conclude a Russia-Singapore bilateral agreement on services and investment.

We are friends and partners with the Kingdom of Cambodia. We are interested in further developing our relations in diverse areas, including politics and security, trade and investment, as well as educational and other people-to-people exchanges.

I am convinced that the further development of relations between Russia and the Hellenic Republic meets the interests of our states and certainly aligns with the centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual affinity between our nations. In addition to our cooperation in politics, the economy and the power industry, there are good opportunities for expanding our contacts in tourism and culture. In this context, I would like to mention the current Cross Year of Language and Literature.

Russia and Iraq have accumulated a wealth of experience of mutually beneficial cooperation in many spheres, including the fuel and energy sector. Russia firmly stands for the preservation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and has helped to ensure Iraqi security. We believe that efforts towards internal political stability in Iraq should be taken within the framework of a broad national dialogue based on respect for the interests of all citizens, regardless of their ideological beliefs and ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Russia has strong and friendly ties with Algeria. The presidential election held there late last year was a big step towards political and social reform in your country. We support Algeria’s balanced policy in international and regional affairs. We see good possibilities for building up our economic and military technical cooperation and for coordinating our efforts in the interests of stronger stability and security in North Africa and the Sahel-Saharan zone. I recently had a short conversation with your President in Berlin. I hope to see him in Russia soon.

Mongolia is a good neighbour and a tried and tested friend. Last year Russia and Mongolia celebrated the 80th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol and signed a termless Treaty on Friendly Relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We consider it reasonable to complement our close political interaction with practical projects in trade, investment and humanitarian spheres. We are satisfied with the development of the trilateral Russia-Mongolia-China dialogue. We would like to see Mongolia more actively involved in operations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as well.

We are resolved to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Tunis, which is among Russia’s traditional partners in the Middle East and North Africa. We are ready to work together on current regional matters, including a settlement in Libya.

Russia enjoys friendly and mutually respectful relations with Iran. Major bilateral projects in the energy sector, including nuclear energy, in railway transport and other sectors of the economy are steadily expanding. An interim agreement to create a free trade area between Iran and the EAEU came into force in 2019 and gave an additional boost to Russian-Iranian trade and investment relations. We plan to promote cooperation with Iran in fighting international terrorism, coordinate our actions as part of the Astana process and facilitate a settlement in Syria. Russia will continue to make efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian nuclear programme. We believe this international agreement is critically important for global and regional stability.

Russian-Bangladeshi ties are quite dynamic. Trade is up, and a major project to build Bangladesh’s first nuclear power station, Rooppur, is in progress. Given the proximity of our respective states' approaches to most pressing regional problems, we look forward to continuing close cooperation at the UN and other multilateral organisations.

The current state of relations between Russia and Great Britain can hardly be considered satisfactory by either side. We are convinced that restoring a mutually respectful political dialogue, strengthening trade and economic exchanges, and building up cultural and people-to-people contacts is in our common interest. We are ready for this.

We stand for promoting Russia-New Zealand ties in trade, investment and culture. We find it useful to interact on international issues, including counterterrorism, climate change and research in the Antarctic.

We are open to cooperation with Canada based on mutual respect for and consideration of each other's interests. Canada and Russia are neighbours in the Arctic and share common responsibility for ensuring the sustainable development of this vast region, preserving the traditional way of life of the indigenous peoples and taking good care of its fragile ecosystem.

France is one of Russia’s key international partners. We maintain contacts with President Macron, hold regular meetings, discuss issues such as a settlement in Libya, Syria and the Middle East in general, and interact on the Ukraine crisis within the Normandy format. At a bilateral summit held in Fort de Bregancon last August, we agreed to work jointly on ensuring stability and security in Europe. Economic ties between Russia and France, including in industry and energy, continue to expand. On January 16, the Russian Seasons festival opened in France. It is designed to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of our countries.

Global peace and security largely depend on the state of relations between Russia and the United States, as well as on their stability and predictability. We are convinced that these relations should hinge on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs. We are ready for detailed dialogue with the American side, including on arms control and strategic stability, the fight against terrorism and the peaceful resolution of regional crises. For us, it is absolutely obvious that resuming constructive bilateral collaboration meets the interests of Russia, the United States and the entire world.

We advocate the further development of ties with the Republic of Panama, efforts to streamline the legal framework, cooperation and expanded contacts on the economic agenda. We will continue to encourage educational exchanges and help train specialists for Panama.

Relations between Russia and Kazakhstan are an example of reliable strategic partnership and allied cooperation. Bilateral collaboration is based on solid historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between our nations. We appreciate the current level of trust and collaboration with the leaders of Kazakhstan. Last year, we held nine meetings with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. And, of course, we maintain close contacts with our good friend Nursultan Nazarbayev. Sustainable integration within the Eurasian Economic Union continues to develop largely through joint efforts of Russia and Kazakhstan. Trade and economic relations between our countries are expanding in all areas, including in industry, energy and investment. Russia and Kazakhstan closely coordinate their approaches to matters on the international agenda. It is common knowledge that our Kazakhstani partners provided a venue for launching the Astana negotiating process to achieve a Syrian peace settlement.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Intensive but highly interesting work awaits all of you. I hope that you will be able to get to know Russia better, feel its pulse and watch our country accomplish important and ambitious tasks of political, economic and social development. I also hope that you will provide real assistance in expanding bilateral ties between Russia and the states you represent and will facilitate stronger friendship and mutual understanding between our nations. I wish you every success and all the best.

Thank you.

Reception to mark Victory Day

2019-05-16T12:07:49+04:00

Vladimir Putin attended the official reception at the Kremlin to mark the 74^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Dear veterans, friends,

I sincerely congratulate you on Victory Day.

Seventy-four years have elapsed since the spring of 1945, several generations have grown up, but the memories are still vivid of the war and the valiant defenders of the Motherland who annihilated Nazism at the cost of immeasurable sacrifices and losses.

The enemy was defeated not only with the power of equipment and military might. The key was that the weapons were in the hands of an unyielding tight-knit people, united in defending its own, dear, native land – both on the war front and home front.

The day of the great Victory was bestowed on us by the destiny of our nation so that our memory, consciousness and vigilance never fail.

We celebrate this holiday warmly, solemnly, with the pride of the sons and with such profound feelings that defy words. All our people honour and thank the victors’ generation.

Their heroic road is not a distant history for all of us – it is part of our life, our moral pillar, the benchmark of our endeavours and ideas, actions and deeds.

This is because each Russian family has its own intimate chronicle of the war – letters from the front, faded old photographs, recollections, wishes from the veterans that are passed on to the children and grandchildren.

Young people strive to learn as much as they can about their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. Members of the search movement and volunteers are restoring the minute details of the war, trace the fates of missing soldiers, and help descendants to find the graves of their family members who died for their Motherland.

They are doing this as they answer the call of the heart, taking your lives, dear veterans, your true unconditional love for the Fatherland as an example to follow.

During the war it was patriotism and true moral values that became the most powerful and reliable support for millions of people.

They were of different ages and ethnicities, men and women, old people and even children. Each of them had their own cruel lot. And there was so much grief and suffering for all of them that seemed impossible to bear.

Yet you overcame everything. Your truly iron will – to chase away, destroy the Nazis – still awes not only us but the whole world.

We as your heirs will do everything to be worthy of you, dear veterans, so as to fulfil your main behest – to preserve our Motherland, work for its benefit and love it with all our hearts.

Let me propose a toast.

To the glorious generation of the victors!

To the great Victory!

To the prosperity of our Motherland – our beloved Russia!

Victory Parade on Red Square

2019-05-16T12:26:52+04:00

Vladimir Putin attended a military parade marking the 74^th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.

Thirty-five marching military bands and over 130 units of modern military equipment took part in the parade. Overall, more than 13,000 service personnel were engaged.

Watching the parade on the stand together with the President of Russia were Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and a guest of honour, first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Before the parade Vladimir Putin had a brief conversation with veterans and wished them a happy holiday.

The parade was traditionally opened by the drummer company of the Moscow Military Music School.

Officers, sergeants and soldiers of military formations and units, cadets from military schools, Suvorov and Nakhimov military academies, cadet corps, Young Army members, and servicemen of other military and law enforcement agencies marched on Red Square.

The mechanised column of the parade involved the legendary T-34 tank, Taifun armoured vehicles, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-82A and BTR-MDM armoured personnel carriers, Terminator tank support armoured fighting vehicles, Yars missile system launchers, S-400 air defence missile system, Pantsir-S1 gun-missile air defence systems and other equipment.

The music at the parade was provided by the combined military orchestra of the Moscow Military Garrison.

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Speech at Victory Parade

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, dear veterans,

Soldiers and seamen, sergeants and master sergeants, warrant officers and chief warrant officers, officers, generals and admirals,

Congratulations on Victory Day, the day of our pride and grief, our boundless gratitude to the defenders of the Fatherland who crushed Nazism.

They are all on the pedestal of the tremendous Victory. It is for this Victory that they fought and laboured, passed that self-sacrificing road of horrendous ordeals, stood up as an unbending stronghold in the fire of the battles, gave everything they could and through suffering they garnered Victory!

With every new year we come to a deeper realisation of the moral power of that unparalleled feat and the eternal value of the military triumph of our people.

It was the people who defended and saved our Motherland, became the hope and a tower of strength for the humankind, the main liberator of European nations.

Our country’s history counts a number of heroic deeds yet the victory over Nazism stands out as retribution to the Nazis for all their crimes, for thinking of themselves as a “superior race” and starting the terrible war.

This insolent force subjugated many nations, and impunity veiled the Nazis’ eyes. They thought they would also be able to conquer the Soviet Union within several weeks – the thousand-year-old historic Russia. They failed.

Yes, after the enemy’s treacherous attack on our territory we suffered defeats, retreats and heavy losses but it did not break Russia‘s spirit.

As early as July 1941, over 5 million soldiers joined the army ranks, tens of thousands of volunteers became militiamen.

Under fierce fire, hundreds of large factories were evacuated to the east, and in incredibly short time manufacturing was resumed in the Urals, in the Volga region and Siberia.

“Everything for the Victory” became the slogan of the home front. This is what marked the opening of our “second front” – the heroic labour front. Its powerful arsenal worked seamlessly.

The victory was forged by the whole nation. The garrison of the Brest tower was the first to take the sudden treacherous brunt of the invaders. The defenders of the fortress fought to the last soldier, they left writing on the citadel’s walls which still make us gasp for air. They sound like an oath and a testament to us: “I am dying but I do not surrender.”

The feats of Russian soldiers today are telling us that this charge has not been forgotten. This oath has been adopted by the current generation of defenders of the Fatherland and is the main guarantee of absolute reliability and invincibility of Russian weapons.

That is exactly what the people thought and how they acted during the Great Patriotic War, as they were fighting for their Motherland in the decisive battles for Moscow and in Stalingrad, at the Kursk Bulge and on the Dnieper River.

The victory was secured with the courage of the defenders of ancient Russian capitals of Kiev and Veliky Novgorod, the fearless defenders of Smolensk, Odessa, Sevastopol, and the infinite fortitude of the inhabitants of the besieged Leningrad.

At each bridgehead and at each military line, feats of tremendous spiritual power were accomplished, often by very young people. More than half of the Heroes of the Soviet Union were under 25.

Many went to the front straight from school and forever remained there, on the front line, never knowing the happiness of love, family, or children.

As soldiers of their country, they did not spare their lives for the sake of its freedom, peaceful future, and each of us. We will never forget their courage and self-sacrifice, and the great price paid for Victory.

We bow our heads in respect before the memory of the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fellow soldiers, families and friends. We grieve for the veterans who are no longer with us.

Let us hold a minute of silence.

(A minute of silence.)

Friends,

The memory of the Great Patriotic War and the truth about it is part of our conscience and our responsibility.

Today, we see how a number of countries are deliberately distorting war events, and how those who, forgetting honour and human dignity, served the Nazis, are now being glorified, and how shamelessly they lie to their children and betray their ancestors.

Our sacred duty is to protect the real heroes. We bow to all veterans from the generation of victors. You live in different countries, but the feat that you accomplished together cannot be divided. We will always honour all of you and glorify Victory, which has always been and remains one for all of us.

Comrades,

The lessons of the past war are still relevant. We have done and will continue to do our best to ensure high combat capability of our Armed Forces, the defence potential of the most modern level, and we will continue to reinforce the prestige of military service and the standing of soldiers and officers, the defenders of the Fatherland.

At the same time, Russia is open to cooperation with everyone who is willing to resist terrorism, neo-Nazism and extremism. Collective resistance to bearers of deadly ideas has become crucial again.

We call on all the countries to become fully aware of our shared responsibility for creating an effective and equal for all security system.

Our nation is well aware of what war is. It brought grief and innumerable suffering to each family. We have not forgotten anything. We remember everything and hold sacred the valour of the soldiers of Victory. Our military parades, the thunder of fireworks and the Immortal Regiment march serve the purpose of honouring them.

Victory Day always brings together and unites all generations, and opens people’s hearts. Today, we are not hiding our emotions, and these sincere feelings are uniting Russia.

We are proud of our unity, and we are glad to have our children and grandchildren with us here, so that we can pass on to them the sacred memory of the heroic accomplishments of our fathers and grandfathers and be confident that their feats and their victories will live forever.

Glory to the victorious nation!

Happy holiday to you!

Happy Victory Day!

Hooray!

Opening of Year of Theatre in Russia

2018-12-14T19:05:37+04:00

Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening of the Year of Theatre in Russia. The ceremony was held at the F. Volkov Russian Drama Theatre in Yaroslavl.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

We have gathered here in Yaroslavl for a good reason, which is to kick off the Year of Theatre in Russia, as 2019 will be the year of theatre art. The choice of venue is clear: Russian theatre, the drama theatre for the general public, was born here.

As you may be aware, 534 B.C. is the year when theatre, world theatre, was born. In our country, theatre in its proper form was created in the 18^th century. As you know, our people often come up with wonderful sayings, one of which goes like this: in Russia, they saddle slow but ride fast. About the same thing happened with our theatre.

At first, it existed in the form of private performances at various estates and was promoted by the people who loved art and theatre. In 1750, our professional theatre was born here. In 1752, the company moved to St Petersburg, and in 1756, Empress Elizabeth of Russia decided to create, essentially, the first national theatre for the general public. This, of course, gave an incredible impetus to theatre art not only in our country, but throughout the world as well.

Saddling slow and riding fast is part of our national character, and it fully made itself felt in theatre art, because our theatre, without any exaggeration, has become the world’s leader. Theatre in the broad sense of the word.

It is not accidental that the colleagues with whom we met today told us that their foreign colleagues often come to Russia and do so with pleasure. Now we know why. Because we have created wonderful theatre schools in Russia in general, including the Russian Empire, later the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation today. We have the largest number of publicly-funded theatres compared to any other country. Of course, this is our strong side.

Theatre is a unique art that includes dancing, singing and acting. This art has an amazing effect on people. It is a multifaceted art. Our skilled actors and theatre directors have mastered this multifaceted art perfectly.

I strongly hope that the Year of Theatre in Russia will do more than just give an impetus to theatre art. It will help theatre professionals strengthen their positions in our country, take them around the world again and, of course, give an opportunity to theatre lovers in Russia to enjoy the performances that the theatre community brings to our people.

I congratulate you on the beginning of the Year of Theatre in Russia.

Reception marking the 25th anniversary of the Constitution

2018-12-14T18:46:22+04:00

Vladimir Putin attended a reception at the Kremlin to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the adoption of the Russian Federation Constitution.

Invited guests included Government members, representatives of the Federation Council and the State Duma, federal executive and judicial bodies, and government bodies of the Russian regions, as well as representatives of religious denominations, public associations, academic and educational organisations.

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Speech at the reception marking the 25^th anniversary of the Constitution

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Esteemed members of the Federation Council, deputies of the State Duma, judges of the Constitutional Court, esteemed drafters of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Congratulations to all of you on the occasion of an important date – the 25^th anniversary of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. (Applause.)

This supreme legal act was adopted by popular vote. It was the free choice of the people as the sole source of power and bearer of sovereignty that granted the Constitution its unequivocal legitimacy.

The people made this historic choice for the sake of their native country, for the sake of themselves, their families and their children, and the present and future of Russia. We put an end to the alarming situation that was developing in our country, and left this lesson of reconciliation and solidarity for posterity.

The new Constitution made a decisive contribution to overcoming the severe political crisis and civil confrontation of the early 1990s. As a document of direct application, it made it possible to avoid the catastrophe of territorial disintegration, and strengthened the statehood and sovereignty of our country.

The greater the distance from the time and events that preceded the adoption of the Fundamental Law, the more we appreciate its unifying and constructive role. The text of the Constitution does not contain empty declarations.

Its provisions are operative. However, the Constitution is not a rigid legal construct, but a living, evolving organism. Foreign experience and domestic legal, cultural, historical and social traditions were taken into account when adopting the Constitution.

Representatives of the regions, political parties, and civic movements were actively involved in preparing the draft Constitution for nationwide referendum.

Their positions did not always align, far from it. But their striving for compromise, wisdom and responsibility for the country ultimately prevailed.

As a result, the supreme legal act, which is often called the Constitution of new Russia, was created and adopted. But this is the Constitution of the same Russia, our same country, whose history dates back centuries.

The idea of such continuity is explicitly underscored in the preamble to the Fundamental Law, which clearly states that the existing state unity needs to be preserved, while warm and poignant words are said about the multi-ethnic people of Russia united by a common destiny on their land.

Back then, at a critical turning point, our country did not abandon its past or the memory of its ancestors. Instead they served as the foundation to further strengthen the powerful, sovereign and democratic state, where the individual is recognised as the highest value, and human rights and freedoms, as well as civil peace and interethnic harmony are affirmed.

The Constitution and its articles are the pinnacle of the Russian legal system and the foundation for its further development. All current Russian laws are built on this constitutional foundation. It is symbolic that the modern history of Russian parliamentarism – both chambers of the Federal Assembly – also dates back to December 12, 1993.

State Duma deputies of all convocations, members of the Federation Council, and legislators from the regions have made a significant and worthy contribution to forming our legal system. Of course, the Constitutional Court has retained its key role. It was involved in the practical realisation of many constitutional norms, upheld the provisions of the Fundamental Law from faulty or biased interpretations and ensured the purity and unity of our legal space to this day.

Of course, the process of legislative and law enforcement work and judicial practice goes on without interruption. To reiterate, there is vast potential for development in all spheres, which is predetermined by the Constitution. Its incisive and straightforward prescriptions in the most fundamental areas exist in harmony with considerable freedom for advancing legislative initiatives, enacting flexible policies and taking effective administrative decisions.

You are aware of how rapidly the world is changing. Among other things, the Constitution helps us keep up with the times without betraying ourselves, and assert our national interests. We are pursuing an independent foreign policy and looking for adequate solutions to current challenges based on its principles and values, which, we realise, are of critical importance not only for us, but the entire world and its future as well.

Friends,

It is essential that all political forces, society and every citizen of Russia experience and understand the letter and the spirit of the Fundamental Law, and respect them. We are well aware of our current problems and difficulties. We will work diligently, step by step, to overcome them. Together, we will certainly achieve our goals by fulfilling the will of our people and respecting and following the Constitution which they adopted.

Let me propose a toast.

Here’s to the Constitution of the Russian Federation!

To our great country!

To the well-being and prosperity of the people of Russia!

To success in achieving our goals!

Ceremony to present credentials

2018-10-17T19:34:34+04:00

Vladimir Putin received letters of credence from foreign ambassadors in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The following 23 newly-arrived ambassadors presented their credentials to the President of Russia: Carlos Rafael Faria Tortosa (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Frederick Hamley Case (Co-operative Republic of Guyana), Vitezslav Pivonka (Czech Republic), Mario Dayan de Silva Jayatilleka (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Norbert Konkoly (Hungary), Carsten Sondergaard (Kingdom of Denmark), Retselisitsoe Calvin Masenyetse (Kingdom of Lesotho), Rune Resaland (Kingdom of Norway), Fernando Valderrama Pareja (Kingdom of Spain), Thanatip Upatising (Kingdom of Thailand), Hugo Villarroel Senzano (Plurinational State of Bolivia), Atanas Vassilev Krastin (Republic of Bulgaria), Margus Laidre (Republic of Estonia), Gustavo Adolfo Lopez Calderon (Republic of Guatemala), Datla Bala Venkatesh Varma (Republic of India), Pierre Clive Agius (Republic of Malta), Francis Mariur Matsutaro (Republic of Palau), Marcello Beccari (Republic of San Marino), Branko Rakovec (Republic of Slovenia), Chol Tong Mayay Jang (Republic of South Sudan), Botirjon Asadov (Republic of Uzbekistan), Komi Bayedze Dagoh (Togolese Republic) and Simon Marco Mumwi (United Republic of Tanzania)

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Kremlin, at the ceremony to present letters of credence. You have the honourable and important mission of promoting relations between your states and Russia, encouraging political dialogue and expanding economic and humanitarian ties.

Today we need diplomacy to play an active and constructive role, to use the power of words, negotiations and compromise to make a tangible contribution to overcoming the current difficulties in international affairs and searching for responses to new challenges and threats.

Russia is dedicated to a peaceful policy and progressively carries out a responsible course in foreign policy. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia defends the basic principles stipulated in the UN Charter: sovereignty and equality of states and non-interference in their domestic affairs. We stand against using politically motivated protectionism measures and sidestepping the norms of international law.

Russia’s active participation in global affairs and openness to mutually beneficial partnerships with all countries and regions are motivated by our main national interest: to create the most favourable conditions possible for Russia to develop dynamically, to achieve ambitious social and economic goals and improve our citizens’ quality of life.

Russians want to live in peace; they want Russia to be a strong and independent state. We try to do everything necessary to strengthen global stability and to build a system of equal and indivisible security.

Our top priorities include an uncompromising fight against international terrorism. Russia’s actions to settle acute regional crises, including the Syrian crisis, are based on such principal approaches. With our decisive role, it has been possible to deal a devastating blow to international terrorism and preserve the statehood of Syria.

Based on the results of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi and Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council, the groundwork was laid for boosting peace talks. Together with our partners in the Astana format, we are actively working on forming an intra-Syrian constitutional committee.

The agenda includes the reconstruction of the destroyed economy and infrastructure, and helping millions of refugees return home, which would ease the migration burden on many European countries. We hope that assistance to Syrians in solving these problems will be a common objective for the global community. Humanitarian issues will be an important area of cooperation for all interested states.

Today, heads of 23 diplomatic missions are present here. By tradition, I would like to say a few words about our relations with each of these countries.

Venezuela. We sincerely wish the government, our Venezuelan friends and all people in the country to succeed in stabilising the socioeconomic situation. We are ready to provide all possible support in this area. And, of course, we will develop a bilateral political dialogue and implement joint projects in energy, industry and other areas.

We are open to improving mutually beneficial ties with Tanzania, in particular, in nuclear energy and the military-technical sector. We welcome the efforts of the Tanzanian government aimed at maintaining peace and security on the African continent.

Cooperation with Thailand is developing steadily; our diplomatic relations with this country span over 100 years. We will continue maintaining close political contacts, strengthening economic and technological cooperation, and promoting humanitarian, educational and, of course, tourism exchanges.

We are also interested in actively cooperating with Guatemala. Given that it is the largest economy in Central America, there are opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment ties. We will continue helping Guatemala with training and skill development of its personnel, including professionals working at law enforcement and security agencies.

This year, Russia marks 120 years of diplomatic relations with Bolivia. In June, fruitful talks were held with President Morales in Moscow. Russian companies are carrying out large fuel and energy projects in that country.

Next year, the Bolivian Nuclear Research and Technology Centre will be put into operation. There are prospects for strengthening cooperation in military technology, mining, education and other fields.

We are planning to continue pursuing dialogue with the leaders of the Czech Republic in a pragmatic and businesslike manner. Our bilateral agenda includes carrying out mutually beneficial joint projects in the priority fields of our cooperation, such as machine-building, power engineering, including nuclear power engineering, agriculture and healthcare. All these areas are under review of the Russian-Czech intergovernmental commission, which will hold a regular meeting next month in Prague.

We advocate a prompt resolution of the internal conflict in South Sudan. We support the efforts of mediating states, regional organisations and the international community.

We are ready for constructive engagement with our neighbour, the Republic of Estonia, based on respect and consideration for each other’s interests. Many of our compatriots live in Estonia, and we assume that the European human rights standards will apply to them to the full extent.

Our relations with Bulgaria are based on traditions of friendship and spiritual closeness of our peoples. This year Bulgaria marks the 140^th anniversary of liberation from the Ottoman rule. In May 2018, President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Boyko Borisov visited Russia. The talks we held reaffirmed our mutual commitment to further promoting bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including in energy. Unfortunately, some time ago, we failed to implement the South Stream project, but now new opportunities have opened up for Bulgaria to play an important role in transiting Russian gas to the European market.

Our official ties with the Kingdom of Denmark go back 525 years. The preservation of the historical traditions of goodneighbourliness and development of mutually beneficial bilateral contacts would surely meet the fundamental interests of the Russian and Danish people. We believe it is important to implement economically sound projects focused on strengthening energy security in all of Europe and work on issues related to the environment and the exploration of the Arctic and the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean together.

Russia maintains traditionally friendly relations with Sri Lanka and is interested in closer trade and economic cooperation, including in fishery, agriculture and tourism. I would like to note that in September we signed a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation.

Relations between Russia and Malta are constructive and mutually beneficial. We see good opportunities for jointly developing cooperation in trade, the economy and the humanitarian sphere.

Russia and Hungary have amassed an impressive potential for cooperation. We are conducting a political dialogue and implementing promising economic projects, including in nuclear energy. The Russian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission is working effectively. The inaugural meeting of the regional cooperation commission will take place before the end of this year. During our recent talks, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and I outlined plans for further expanding our relations in various areas.

Slovenia is a partner with whom we maintain versatile cooperation. We are ready to work with the new government that was formed in September with a view to further promoting our cooperation. We are grateful to you for tending to the graves of our soldiers, who perished in Slovenia during World War I and World War II.

Our cooperation with the Republic of India is a specially privileged strategic partnership. This was confirmed, in part, by my visit to New Delhi last week. During this visit, we reached important agreements embracing the economy, the nuclear industry, military-technical cooperation, space, communications and culture.

Considering the proximity of our positions on key global and regional issues, we will continue close coordination with our Indian partners on major international issues, in part in BRICS and the G20.

I highly value our useful dialogue with the Prime Minister of India. Esteemed Mr Ambassador, I would like to ask you to convey once again my sincere gratitude to Mr Narendra Modi for his hospitality.

We stand for developing productive cooperation with our neighbour – Norway. Next year we will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the liberation of northern Norway from the Nazis by Soviet troops. Considering the rich experience of neighbourly relations, we can move forward, expanding the horizons of our cooperation. Russian and Norwegian business circles are interested in new joint projects in energy, fishing and shipbuilding, to name a few.

Uzbekistan is Russia’s strategic partner and ally. We are deepening our bilateral ties in all key areas – political, trade, economic, military-technical and humanitarian cooperation. I hope that during my state visit to Tashkent next week, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and I will have detailed talks that will be followed by a solid package of joint inter-governmental and commercial documents.

Together with the head of Uzbekistan, we will attend the inauguration and a meeting of the Interregional Cooperation Forum and will give a start to the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan by Rosatom.

We believe it is important to further develop relations with Spain. Our people are united by mutual sympathy and respect, while official intergovernmental contacts date back more than 350 years.

Together, we have implemented large humanitarian projects and cross-years of language and literature, as well as tourism. We are planning to hold the Year of Education and Science. It seems we have all the conditions for bilateral cooperation to progress in other areas as well.

We are interested in expanding friendly ties with the Togolese Republic. We have good cooperation prospects in geological exploration and the military-technical area. We will continue to cooperate in training professionals for Togo.

We maintain constructive cooperation with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Russian businesses are interested in implementing joint projects in various areas, such as geology, mineral resources management and delivery of agricultural products.

We see good opportunities to promote cooperation with Palau in aviation and naval communications, as well as tourism. The agreement on ф mutual visa waver signed this September will help this.

In the context of the further development of friendly relations with the Kingdom of Lesotho, we will pay attention to implementing joint projects, such as extraction of raw materials using Russian technology and investment. We are satisfied with the level of coordination on issues on the global and African agenda.

Official intergovernmental ties between Russia and San Marino were established 25 years ago. Over this time, we have gained a lot of experience of mutual cooperation. We believe it will continue to develop and acquire new initiatives.

Friends, colleagues,

Russia attaches great importance to relations with each of the states you represent. We are sincerely interested in making your activities as productive as possible. Rest assured that all initiatives you propose will be supported by the Russian leadership, executive bodies, businesses and society.

I wish you success and thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much.

Russia hands over World Cup host mantle to Qatar

2018-07-16T16:18:44+04:00

A ceremony to hand over World Cup host mantle took place at the Moscow Kremlin. The ceremony was attended by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The President of Russia handed over a red and white football with the 2018 World Cup logo to the Emir of Qatar, the country that will host the next World Cup between November 21 and December 18, 2022.

The ceremony took place in the Kremlin's Armorial Hall.

The World Cup final match will take place today, July 15, at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, with France playing against Croatia.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Highness, Mr Infantino, friends,

We are holding a pleasant official event today: Russia is handing over the FIFA World Cup host's mantle to Qatar.

The World Cup in Russia is nearing its end. We are proud of what we have managed to do for all the fans of this wonderful sport. We, the entire country, have immensely enjoyed the world of football and the fans who came to Russia from all over the world.

I am confident that our friends from Qatar will be able to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the same high level. Of course, we are ready to share with our friends in Qatar the experience we have gained while hosting this year's World Cup.

We will make every effort for football to implement its wonderful humanitarian mission of uniting people, countries and continents.

Thank you.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino: Mr President, Your Highness, today I am a happy man.

Dear friends, welcome. (In Russian.) Dorogiye druzya, dobro pozhalovat. These are the words which have followed us in the last month and which will follow us in the next four years.

It is so important that we can be here together today in this iconic place, in the Kremlin, to mark a pass of the ball from the organiser of 2018 to the organiser of the 2022 World Cup.

This is football: it is passion, it is emotion, it is love, it is family, it is unity, and these sentiments that we have been feeling here in Russia, we transfer them to Qatar.

And I am sure that the same incredibly energetic and positive impact that football has had in Russia, it will have the same in Qatar four years from now.

So, as far as I am concerned, I can say that we all fell in love with Russia.

(In Russian.) Ya lyublyu Rossiyu. And I am sure that in four years from now, Your Highness, we will all fall in love with Qatar. As far as I am concerned, it has already happened, but we will bring the others on board.

(In Russian.) Spasibo bolshoye.

Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (retranslated): Mr President, first, let me congratulate you and the Russian people on organising a wonderful World Cup.

Mr President, I would like to congratulate you personally on behalf of all football and sports fans on the success and the wonderful World Cup, and we hope to host the tournament in the same way in our country.

I would like to express gratitude to our friends from the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee, who are providing assistance to their colleagues from the Qatar 2022 organising committee. We hope to continue this cooperation with our Russian friends on the issues related to hosting the 2022 World Cup.

I would like to congratulate Mr Infantino and thank him for the efforts taken for the success of the World Cup, and express hope for cooperation until 2022.

Mr President, hosting the 2022 World Cup in our country is an important event. I can remember how our country won the bid back in 2010. It is a great festival for all Arab people. Thank you.

I would like to invite all our friends. We will make every effort to welcome all guests in our country. We hope our national team will duplicate the success of the Russian team and even surpass it. We will do our best.

(In Russian.) Thank you.

2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony

2018-06-15T17:45:47+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Luzhniki Stadium.

The ceremony was also attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, heads of state and government of Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Moldova, Panama, Paraguay, Rwanda, South Ossetia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK Kim Yong-nam.

The opening match of the World Cup between the national teams of Russia and Saudi Arabia ended in a 5–0 win for Russia.

During half-time, the President of Russia chatted with Vice Premier of the State Council of China Sun Chunlan, President of Moldova Igor Dodon and former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, among others.

Earlier today and the day before, Vladimir Putin held bilateral meetings with the leaders of a number of countries who arrived for the opening of the World Cup.

* * *

Speech at 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

I welcome all guests to the legendary Moscow stadium Luzhniki, everyone gathered in the numerous fan zones of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and those watching us on television or online.

I congratulate you – the entire large, multinational, tightly-knit international football family – on the start of the top tournament on the planet!

This major sporting event is being held in Russia for the first time, and we are sincerely happy about it. In our country, football is not just the most popular sport. People genuinely love football. And it was love at first sight, from the first official match that took place in Russia in 1897.

We prepared responsibly for this major event and did our best so that fans, athletes and specialists could immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this magnificent football festival and, of course, enjoy their stay in Russia – open, hospitable, friendly Russia – and find new friends here, new like-minded people.

Consider this: without exaggeration, there are billions of people on the planet who are devoted football fans. And wherever we live, no matter our traditions, we all are united as one team by our love for this spectacular, dazzling, uncompromising game. And so all the members of this team understand each other well, they have a good sense of each other.

It is in this unity, which bends neither to differences in language, nor in ideology, nor in faith, that the great power of football, of sport in general, the power of its humanistic principles, lies.

Our task is to preserve this power, this unity for future generations, for the sake of developing sport and strengthening peace and mutual understanding among peoples.

I wish success to all the teams, and unforgettable impressions to fans.

Welcome to Russia!

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (In Russian.): Dear friends,

Welcome to the World Cup!

(In English.) Dear friends,

Welcome to the FIFA World Cup here in Russia!

As of today, for one month, football will conquer Russia. And from Russia, football will conquer the entire world. Enjoy the biggest celebration on earth! Thank you, President Putin! Thank you, Moscow!

(In Russian.) Thank you, Russia!

Opening of Crimean Bridge motorway section

2018-05-20T18:36:39+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the Crimean Bridge motorway section and drove the lead vehicle of the construction equipment convoy.

Vladimir Putin visited the Consolidated Traffic Management Centre and heard reports on the readiness of utility teams to operate the transport route across the Kerch Strait. The head of state also spoke briefly with the builders of the bridge, thanked them and congratulated them on completing the project ahead of schedule.

After the construction equipment convoy crossed the bridge, the head of state addressed a rally marking the opening of the Crimean Bridge motorway.

Over 10,000 people worked to complete the Crimean Bridge six months ahead of schedule. The motorway section of the bridge has over 60 road signs and ten automatic systems monitoring compliance with traffic regulations.

The 19-kilometre Crimean Bridge is the longest bridge in Russia and Europe. It begins on the Taman Peninsula, passes over a five-kilometre dam and Tuzla Island, crosses the Kerch Strait and reaches the Crimean coast.

Two-way automobile and public transit traffic via the Kerch Strait will be launched on May 16. The railway section of the bridge is scheduled to open in late 2019.

* * *

Speech at rally and concert

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends.

My sincere congratulations on this wonderful event. This is a truly historic day because in different historical eras, including during the tsars’ reign, people dreamed of building this bridge. They came back to it in the 1930s, then the 1940s and the 1950s. Finally, thanks to your hard work and talents, this project, this miracle has come true. Thank you very much.

I want to thank this project’s organisers, who, without exaggeration, put national interests above their personal and collective needs. I want to thank the bomb disposal engineers, who were the first to start working here, as we have just mentioned, as well as the environmentalists, archaeologists, scientists, designers, engineers and construction workers. More than 10,000 people are working at this construction site, and at peak times the number exceeded 15,000. Almost 220 contractor companies are involved. In fact, the whole country worked on this bridge.

This is an excellent result that has made Crimea and the legendary Sevastopol stronger and brought us closer.

The bridge will mean faster and greater progress for the economy of Crimea and Sevastopol, and will improve the quality of life here. We will continue to work on similar projects across the country. And when I say across the country, I mean it. We will build more roads, bridges, airports and ports. We will make our peoples’ lives better and more comfortable. And we will succeed by all means because we have outstanding and talented people like you.

Congratulations to everybody and good luck.

Thank you.

You are the best people and the best builders. Thank you very much.