Ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I cordially welcome you to the Kremlin at the ceremonial presentation of letters of credence. Our meeting is taking place at the very beginning of the new year, when we all make plans for the future and, of course, want to hope that difficulties and adversities, mutual grievances, and conflicts will remain in the past. Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish you, your families, and the peoples of the states you represent, from the bottom of my heart, well-being and success in the coming year, 2026.
I think you will agree that one of the key factors for the sustainable development and prosperity of humanity is international cooperation. In today's diverse and interconnected world, universal stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to engage in constructive interaction, and an open, honest partnership provides opportunities for solving common, even the most difficult problems.
It is not for nothing they say: peace does not come by itself; it is built, and every day at that. Peace requires effort, responsibility, and a conscious choice. The relevance of this is obvious, especially now, when the situation on the international arena is degrading more and more. It seems to me no one will argue with this. Old conflicts are worsening, and new serious centers of tension are emerging.
At the same time, diplomacy, the search for consensus, and compromise solutions are increasingly being replaced by unilateral and, moreover, very dangerous actions. And instead of a dialogue between states, there is the monologue of those who, by the right of the strong, consider it permissible to dictate their will, lecture on life, and give orders. Dozens of countries in the world suffer from disrespect for their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness, and do not possess the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.
A reasonable way out of this situation is seen in demanding more persistently the observance of international law by all members of the international community, as well as providing real assistance to the emerging new, more just multipolar world order – a world order in which all states would have the right to their own model of growth, to independently, without influence from outside, determine their own destiny, preserving their original culture and traditions.
I will 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 objective trends in global development. With all partners interested in cooperation, we are determined to maintain truly open and mutually beneficial relations, to deepen ties in politics, economy, and the humanitarian sphere, and to together confront acute challenges and common threats.
Russia advocates for the strengthening of the key, central role in world affairs of the United Nations, which celebrated its anniversary this past year. Eighty years ago, our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, having triumphed 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 and recorded them in the UN Charter – in their entirety, fullness, and interconnection.
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 in demand than ever. And most importantly, it is necessary to proceed from the fact that security must be truly comprehensive, which means equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others. This principle is recorded in foundational international legal documents. Disregard for this basic, vitally important principle has never led to anything good and will not lead to it.
This was clearly shown by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of the long-standing ignoring of the just interests of Russia and the purposeful course toward creating threats to our security, toward the advancement of the NATO block to Russian borders – contrary to public promises given to us. I want to emphasize this: contrary to public promises given to us.
I will remind you that Russia has repeatedly come forward with initiatives to build a new, reliable, and just architecture of European and global security. We offered options and rational solutions that could suit everyone in America, Europe, Asia – throughout the whole world. We believe that it would be worth returning to their substantive discussion in order to consolidate those conditions on which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine can be achieved – and the sooner, the better.
It is precisely toward a long-term and sustainable peace, reliably ensuring the security of each and every person, that our country strives. Not everywhere, including in Kiev and the capitals supporting it, are they ready for this. But we hope that the realization of such a necessity will come sooner or later. As long as this is not the case, Russia will continue to consistently achieve the goals set before it.
At the same time, I will emphasize once again and ask you to take into account in your activities that Russia is always open to building equal and mutually beneficial relations with all international partners in the name of universal prosperity, well-being, and development.
Ladies and gentlemen. Present at today's ceremony are the ambassadors of thirty-two states, each of which is an active member of the UN and makes its contribution to solving the urgent problems of the global agenda. Many of you represent countries that are strategic partners and allies of Russia, with whom we are united by bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support, and with whom we actively work together within the framework of major international and regional structures.
I am sure the Ambassador of Brazil will agree that our two states, standing at the origins of the creation of BRICS, are consistent like-minded partners regarding the formation of a truly just multipolar world order. The cooperation between Russia and Brazil is developing progressively and is being filled with new mutually beneficial projects in various fields. As is known, just yesterday I spoke with President Lula da Silva by telephone. This conversation confirmed our shared view on global and regional processes. This conversation further confirmed that in many ways the views coincide or are very close.
I will note that truly strong and friendly relations link Russia with the Republic of Cuba. We have always provided and continue to provide help and assistance to our Cuban friends. We are in solidarity with their determination to defend their sovereignty and independence with all their might. The Russian-Cuban alliance has been tested by time and is based on the sincere mutual sympathies of the peoples of the two countries. Together we are implementing projects vital for the Cuban economy in energy, metallurgy, transport infrastructure, and medicine, and we are expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
I will emphasize that Russia has long had close and constructive relationships and interaction with many countries of Latin America. We have always treated the states of this region with great respect, as equal and independent partners. This fully applies to the countries represented here: Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. We believe that we have every opportunity for a qualitative buildup of trade-investment and commercial ties, and cooperation in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education, and personnel training.
In the same spirit of partnership and trust, Russia is determined to further strengthen interaction with the states of the Middle East and North Africa. One of the key roles in this region is played by Egypt, which is friendly to Russia, and relations with which are built on the basis of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation. Our countries are implementing large-scale joint projects, including the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant and the creation of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area.
In a month, it will be 100 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. The bilateral partnership is successfully expanding and is comprehensive in nature. Close coordination has been established in the "OPEC plus" format, which effectively contributes to maintaining the stability of the global oil market. We welcome the kingdom's decision to act as a guest country at the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June. It is also important that Saudi Arabia plans to host the international music competition "Intervision", revived at the initiative of our country.
Ties with Lebanon and Iraq are traditionally developing in a mutually respectful and positive key. Our country invariably stands for supporting the unity, sovereignty, and independence of these states and against external interference in their internal affairs.
We interact closely with Pakistan, a full participant in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – the largest regional structure in terms of its economic, technological, and human potential. And Russian-Pakistani relations are truly mutually beneficial.
Afghanistan is an observer state at the SCO. Russian-Afghan cooperation has recently acquired noticeable dynamics. This was facilitated by the decision made by Russia last year on the official recognition of the new authorities of the country. We are sincerely interested in Afghanistan being a united, independent, and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Our interaction with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Maldives is progressing quite effectively. We are successfully developing contacts in such traditional sectors as tourism, fishing, agriculture, and energy. We are determined to build up cooperation in other spheres of mutual interest as well.
Present at today’s ceremony is a large group of ambassadors from friendly African countries: Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia. Russia is linked with all states of the continent by relations of genuine partnership, support, and mutual assistance. The foundations of these relations were laid back in the times of the African peoples' struggle for freedom and independence. Our country made a significant contribution to the liberation of African countries from colonial oppression, to the establishment of their statehood, to the development of national economies, the social sphere, and to the training and equipping of armed forces. And we are invariably focused on expanding mutual political, economic, and humanitarian contacts.
We continue to provide help and assistance to Africans in their pursuit of development and active participation in international affairs. All these issues were discussed in detail at the Russia–Africa summits in Sochi and St. Petersburg, and at the meeting of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum at the level of foreign ministers held a month ago in Cairo. We are beginning to work on holding the next, third Russia–Africa summit this year.
Unfortunately, the positive capital in our interaction with the Republic of Korea has been largely squandered. Yet previously, by adhering to pragmatic approaches, our countries achieved truly good results in the fields of trade and business. We count on the restoration of 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 full of examples of mutually beneficial partnership and mutually enriching cultural cooperation. The current state of bilateral ties of the mentioned countries with Russia leaves much to be desired. Dialogue and contacts – not at all through our fault, I want to emphasize this – have been reduced to a minimum both along the lines of official, as well as business and public circles. Interaction on key international and regional issues has been frozen.
One wants to believe that over time the situation will nonetheless change, and our states will return to normal, constructive communication based on the principles of respect for national interests and consideration of legitimate security concerns. Russia was and remains committed to precisely such approaches and is ready for the restoration of the level of relations necessary for us.
In general, as has been noted more than once, we are open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries without exception. And naturally, we are interested in ensuring that the activity of each of the ambassadors present here is as productive as possible. You can be sure, ladies and gentlemen, that all useful undertakings proposed by you will receive support from the Russian leadership, executive authorities, entrepreneurs, and civil society. Allow me to wish you success and all the very best in your work. Thank you for your attention.
