Moscow, 10 February 2022 (TDI): Today, Russian Federation is celebrating the diplomat’s day. In 2002, the Presidential decree declared the 10th of February as a day of Diplomat workers’ day.
It commemorates the efforts of the Russian Diplomatic service which promoted peace and cooperation with other countries.
Historical background
In 1549, Czar Ivan IV established the first-ever Russian foreign affairs agency. It was called Russia’s Ambassadorial Department or Posolsky Prikaz (in Russian).
It is pertinent to note that Russian Diplomatic traditions go back to more distant times. For instance, the ‘Agreement on Peace and Love’ was signed in 860.
The agreement established relations between Byzantine Empire and Ancient Russia. In addition, Russian envoys remained frequent guests in the countries of Medieval Europe.
In the 1500s, Russia became a strong and united country. The state administration realized that there is a need to create a special diplomatic department. Therefore, the state diplomatic office was established with special status in 1549.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ambassadorial Department managed the Russian Foreign Policy. It also opened the first permanent diplomatic mission.
Then, in 1718-1720, Emperor Peter the Great transformed the Ambassadorial Department into the Collegium of Foreign Affairs. Similarly, the country produced world-renowned diplomats who turned the pages of the history of diplomacy.
Among them, one of the renowned Russian diplomats was Nikolay Ignatiev. Russian Federation celebrated his 190th birth anniversary on 29th January, 2022. He played a vital role while drafting the Treaty of Peking and the Treaty of San Stefano.
Subsequently, in 1914, Russia had a wide network of consular representations and diplomats around the globe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed state interests at every platform.
It made contributions to strengthen the anti-Hitler coalition in WWII and the creation of the United Nations (UN). It also fought for disarmament and peace in international affairs.
Nevertheless, Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov was the remarkable diplomat of the nineteenth century who concluded the treaty of Paris in 1856.
Modern Russian Diplomacy
Currently, the Russian diplomats play a vital role within APEC, G20, UN, and other regional and international organizations. Modern Russian diplomacy is more dynamic and far diverse.
The Russian Foreign Ministry carries vast knowledge in various fields such as countering terrorism, climate change, environmental issues, and many more.
Now, diplomatic traditions involve multi-sector networking while the chief objective remains the same i.e., security of the Russian interests abroad.
But, modern Russian diplomacy has also preserved the tradition. It includes knowledge of international relations, professional culture, respect for other countries, and commitment to their own country.
Russian President Putin Message on Diplomats’ Day
President Vladimir Putin also extended congratulations and best wishes to diplomats and veterans of the Foreign Ministry on their professional day.
He commented that ‘Russian Foreign Ministry has commendable record of services and traditions to protect the interests of motherland.’
President Putin also pointed out that Russian diplomacy has always strived to protect the lawful rights of Russian citizens and compatriots settled overseas.
Meanwhile, it also plays role in settling the regional crises and conflicts. Of course, these steps are vital for the progress of the Russian Federation.
Russian President credited the Russian Foreign Ministry for developing ties on all continents. He further noted that the world is having a tense and turbulent situation presently.
Certainly, Russia is striving to acquire strategic stability to counter threats and challenges. Therefore, Russia is demanding comprehensive and legally binding security guarantees from the US and its allies.
In this context, there is a need for the systematic work to strengthen international law and empower the central coordinating role of the UN. It will also create a stable multipolar world.
For these reasons, President Putin commented that Foreign Ministry will work efficiently to consolidate its position in the international platform.
Russian Foreign Minister’s Message on Diplomats’ Day
On Diplomat’s worker day, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, also extended best wishes and good luck to all the Russian diplomats.
He said that President Putin established this day twenty years ago on October 31, 2002. Accordingly, the commemoration of the day helps to enhance the traditions of the Foreign Ministry and spreads knowledge about the profession.
It also helps to accumulate respect for the diplomatic profession. He further stated that this year, the Russian Federation is marking the 220th anniversary of the Foreign Ministry as well.
The first office of the Russian Foreign Ministry was established in 1802. In addition, he commented on the relationship of Russian statehood with other foreign policy services.
Moreover, he mentioned Great Russian diplomats such as Alexander Gorchakov, Andrey Gromyko, Yevgeny Primakov, and many others. In particular, he remarked that true patriots work for the common cause and are a vital part of the foreign policy department.
He also noted the efforts and contributions of comrades and employees who fought the Great Patriotic War. Along these lines, he mentioned that Russian diplomatic efforts recognize the norms of International Law, especially the UN Charter’s principles and goals.
This in return helped Russia to expand in Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America. Thereupon, Russia is contributing to the establishment of a global ‘belt of neighborliness’.
He then detailed the complexity of the modern world where diplomacy requires new approaches and technologies. And, this approach will fulfill the ambitious goals of the Russian President as well.
