On Russian Diplomats' Day

Despite the fact that it is a relatively young professional holiday, Diplomats’ Day is of great significance for every Russian diplomat.

Today we honour centuries-old traditions and unique methods and style of work of our foreign service, forged by Russian and Soviet diplomats during both peaceful and turbulent times of our homeland’s history.

Russian diplomacy has always been and still is at the forefront of struggle for international peace and security, independent and sustainable development of all the countries in the World. What we seek is mutually respectful, beneficial and equal cooperation with our partners. When misunderstandings occur, we try to solve it peacefully, by means of dialogue and diplomacy.

Russian foreign service has never had any, what they call it today, “hidden agenda” or attempted to mislead our foreign partners. It is Russian national character, always striving for truth and justice, that makes it impossible for us to resort to any dishonest methods in our work.

Our predecessors have put a high moral and professional benchmark for us and we do our best to be in line with it.

 

On Russia-Malaysia relations

As you may know, last year we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Malaysia, which was plentifully commemorated with series of official and cultural events.

Relations between our countries have always been friendly and mutually respectful, covering a wide range of areas of practical cooperation.

Speaking about present time, we try to maintain the momentum of bilateral interactions at high profile in the fields of politics, trade, science, culture and education.

Last November a working visit to Malaysia by President of the Republic of Tatarstan of Russia Rustam Minnikhanov took place. President Minnikhanov participated in World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuching and held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak, governor and chief minister of Sarawak, as well as management of WIEF Foundation. During the discussions both sides agreed to intensify economic cooperation between Tatarstan region and Malaysian states, namely in halal food production. They also discussed a possibility to hold next WIEF meeting in Tatarstan.

Close cooperation exists between Malaysian Senate and Russian Council of Federation. Last week a delegation of Russian bid committee for the World Exhibition EXPO 2025 visited Kuala Lumpur. The head of the delegation Mr. Arkady Chernetsky, who is senator and first deputy chairman of Council of Federation committee on regional policy, met with President of Senate Tan Sri Dato’ Sri S.A.Vigneswaran, his first deputy Khairudin Samad and deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. The purpose of the visit was to promote Russian city of Ekaterinburg as a host for EXPO 2025 and to gain Malaysian government’s support on that.

In 2015 Russia and Malaysia established Joint Intergovernmental Commission on economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. Last September Malaysian Government appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan to be the co-chairman of the Commission. We hope that this year we will hold the first meeting of this intergovernmental body.

If you want to know more about the history of Russian-Malaysian relations, welcome to visit the photo-exhibition, called “Russia-Malaysia: History of Friendship”, that is currently on the display in the National Library of Malaysia. There you can see photos of former Ambassadors of Russia to Malaysia, bilateral political, scientific and cultural events, as well as copies of historic documents.

 

On FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia

This year Russia will host a one in a lifetime international event – FIFA World Cup tournament. It will be held on 12 stadiums in 11 Russian cities.

The preparations for this event have been going according to the schedule. Russia has already accomplished most part of the tasks set by FIFA organizing committee, and we are ready to welcome football fans and guests with traditional Russian hospitality. Organisation of the last-year Confederations Cup was highly praised by FIFA, which demonstrates Russia’s ability to host world-class events with high-level standards.

In order to come to Russia and watch World Cup tournament, football fans must register themselves and receive so-called FAN I.D. This document allows foreign citizens to travel to Russia without visa, if they have valid match tickets, of course. Besides that, the I.D. provides special privilege of using land and rail means of transportation in Russia free of charge, be it buses, trains, subway, etc.

 

On the tragedy with aircraft of "Saratov Airlines"

The catastrophe happened yesterday just minutes after aircraft of “Saratov Airlines” took off from Domodedovo Airport in Moscow. The plane crashed over the suburbs of Russian capital, in Ramensky district of Moscow region. 65 passengers and 6 aircrew members died.

Ministry for Emergency Situations of Russia and relevant Russian authorities have been conducting search operation. The weather conditions are harsh with heavy snowfall and poor visibility. Formal investigation is under way.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the families of victims. Many leaders of foreign nations, among which were Kirgizia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, European Union, United States and Ukraine, sent their world of sympathy and support.