MOSCOW, 20 September (BelTA) - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation Dmitry Krutoi presented his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin on 20 September. The solemn ceremony was held in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, BelTA has learned.
Representatives of another 23 states presented their credentials together with the Belarusian ambassador. Among them were the new ambassadors of Algeria, Egypt, Mongolia, Portugal, Armenia, the Philippines, Moldova, Serbia, Venezuela, Kuwait, Cyprus and other countries.
Accepting the credentials, the Russian president gave a brief description of the relations with each state whose ambassador participated in the ceremony. Speaking about Belarus, Vladimir Putin described it as a fraternal country, the closest ally and strategic partner. “The countries are advancing multidisciplinary integration cooperation, implementing the fundamental Union State Treaty and 28 specific programs adopted in the furtherance of the treaty," Vladimir Putin stated. “In the works are large-scale trade and investment projects aimed to further improve the welfare of Russian and Belarusian citizens. We jointly confront the challenges and threats to the security of our states, and actively cooperate within the framework of the CSTO, the EAEU and the CIS."
The Russian leader also noted that at the recent summit in Samarkand, it was decided to launch the procedure to admit the Republic of Belarus as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. "We will promote the full integration of Belarus into this authoritative regional organization," the Russian president assured.
Addressing all ambassadors, Vladimir Putin promised them support in initiatives to strengthen their countries' relations with Russia. "We proceed from the fact that you will focus your attention on the issues of expanding political dialogue, trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and contacts between people," he said. "We sincerely hope that the work of your embassies in these key areas will be successful."
The Russian leader congratulated the ambassadors on the official start of diplomatic activity in Moscow. He believes that diplomats are entrusted with an important and responsible mission, which is to promote multifaceted relations between the states they represent and Russia.
Touching upon the issues of global politics, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the movement towards multipolarity has become the main trend in the world. "The processes of radical transformation of the entire architecture of international relations are accelerating, the formation of a multipolar, more democratic and fair system of the world order is entering an active phase. The movement towards a multipolar world has become a major, strategic trend in world politics, and this fact was confirmed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held recently in Samarkand," Vladimir Putin addressed the ambassadors.
He also said that the hegemony of individual countries in the world cannot last forever. "Objective development towards multipolar world order is, unfortunately, met with resistance from those who are trying to preserve the role of the hegemon in world affairs and control everything: Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa," Vladimir Putin said. "I must say that this hegemon has been good at it for quite a long time, but this cannot continue forever. It is impossible."
Vladimir Putin stressed that the sanctions imposed by Western states have had a negative effect on themselves and on the poorest countries. "To strengthen their position, they are imposing illegitimate sanctions, exerting pressure on all fronts, including, of course, on Russia. However, those who are doing this see that their actions lead to negative consequences for themselves. Unfortunately, completely innocent states, primarily developing and poorest ones, suffer from such a policy," he stated. "It was they who have been primarily affected by the Western restrictions on the supply of Russian energy, food and fertilizers to foreign markets."
