🇷🇺🇨🇳 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi hold talks on the sidelines of #ASEAN events
📍 Vientiane, July 25, 2024
#RussiaChina
📍 Vientiane, July 25, 2024
#RussiaChina
🗓 On July 26 and 27, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend annual ministerial events held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) in Vientiane. He will take part in foreign ministers’ meetings in the Russia-ASEAN format, as well as within the East Asia Summit (#EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF).
🌏 ASEAN is currently one of the most successful regional organisations which forms the core of the integration processes in the Asia-Pacific Region. The association has created a solid network of interstate institutions involving the leading world powers.
This year, Russia marks 20 years of joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (the Bali Treaty). Signed in 1976, it is one of the fundamental documents for ASEAN in terms of ensuring regional peace and stability.
❗️ Russia views ASEAN as one of the key partners in the context of carrying out the initiative to build a Eurasian security architecture as set forth by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
The agenda of the July 26 #RussiaASEAN ministerial meeting covers cooperation matters in all their aspects, including politics, trade and economics.
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📈 In 2023, Russia’s trade with ASEAN countries increased by 14.6 percent to almost $22 billion.
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Russia has coined a range of #EAS initiatives. They include creating a mechanism of pan-regional cooperation on countering epidemics and restoring economic potential by stimulating tourism.
We consider the #ARF as one of the key platforms for discussing topical issues of the regional agenda, developing measures of mutual trust and preventive diplomacy, and boosting non-politicised practical cooperation in security.
During the forum’s 31st session on July 27, we will thoroughly discuss countering new threats and challenges. We will summarise the results of #RussiaIndonesia co-chairmanship in the Russia-ASEAN Forum on the Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies in 2022-2024.
📄 Read in full
🌏 ASEAN is currently one of the most successful regional organisations which forms the core of the integration processes in the Asia-Pacific Region. The association has created a solid network of interstate institutions involving the leading world powers.
This year, Russia marks 20 years of joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (the Bali Treaty). Signed in 1976, it is one of the fundamental documents for ASEAN in terms of ensuring regional peace and stability.
❗️ Russia views ASEAN as one of the key partners in the context of carrying out the initiative to build a Eurasian security architecture as set forth by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
The agenda of the July 26 #RussiaASEAN ministerial meeting covers cooperation matters in all their aspects, including politics, trade and economics.
<…>
📈 In 2023, Russia’s trade with ASEAN countries increased by 14.6 percent to almost $22 billion.
<…>
Russia has coined a range of #EAS initiatives. They include creating a mechanism of pan-regional cooperation on countering epidemics and restoring economic potential by stimulating tourism.
We consider the #ARF as one of the key platforms for discussing topical issues of the regional agenda, developing measures of mutual trust and preventive diplomacy, and boosting non-politicised practical cooperation in security.
During the forum’s 31st session on July 27, we will thoroughly discuss countering new threats and challenges. We will summarise the results of #RussiaIndonesia co-chairmanship in the Russia-ASEAN Forum on the Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies in 2022-2024.
📄 Read in full
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi (Vientiane, July 25, 2024)
💬 Our countries focused their agendas on undertaking a comprehensive effort to deliver on their national development goals, and the #RussiaChina strategic cooperation is designed to facilitate these efforts. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping attach great importance to these relations and always keep them on their radar, including by exploring new horizons for our strategic partnership.
In May 2024, Beijing hosted summit talks between them. After that, the two Leaders had a conversation on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana, where they outlined the main directions for further strengthening our bilateral cooperation as well as the way we work together on the international stage.
🤝 Russia and China have been working in tandem on building a multipolar world order with better justice for all, guided by the principle of genuine multilateralism. In addition, they have been creating positive vibes within the United Nations and the Group of Twenty, while remaining proactive within #BRICS and the #SCO. There are other important international platforms too, including, of course, #ASEAN and the entire architecture revolving around this association. We share the view that we must do everything to prevent its destruction.
Today, we had a detailed conversation on this matter during our joint meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith, whose country currently chairs ASEAN.
☝️ We believe in the importance of continuing this dialogue in order to combine our efforts in countering any attempts by extra-regional forces to interfere in Southeast Asian affairs and to contribute to its wellbeing and prosperity.
💬 Our countries focused their agendas on undertaking a comprehensive effort to deliver on their national development goals, and the #RussiaChina strategic cooperation is designed to facilitate these efforts. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping attach great importance to these relations and always keep them on their radar, including by exploring new horizons for our strategic partnership.
In May 2024, Beijing hosted summit talks between them. After that, the two Leaders had a conversation on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana, where they outlined the main directions for further strengthening our bilateral cooperation as well as the way we work together on the international stage.
🤝 Russia and China have been working in tandem on building a multipolar world order with better justice for all, guided by the principle of genuine multilateralism. In addition, they have been creating positive vibes within the United Nations and the Group of Twenty, while remaining proactive within #BRICS and the #SCO. There are other important international platforms too, including, of course, #ASEAN and the entire architecture revolving around this association. We share the view that we must do everything to prevent its destruction.
Today, we had a detailed conversation on this matter during our joint meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith, whose country currently chairs ASEAN.
☝️ We believe in the importance of continuing this dialogue in order to combine our efforts in countering any attempts by extra-regional forces to interfere in Southeast Asian affairs and to contribute to its wellbeing and prosperity.
🇷🇺🇹🇷 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan hold talks on the sidelines of #ASEAN events
📍 Vientiane, July 26, 2024
#RussiaTürkiye
📍 Vientiane, July 26, 2024
#RussiaTürkiye
🇷🇺🇮🇳 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met on the sidelines of #ASEAN events
📍 Vientiane, July 26, 2024
#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti
📍 Vientiane, July 26, 2024
#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti
⚡️ Joint Statement of ASEAN and Russia Foreign Ministers Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Russia’s Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)
We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) and the Russian Federation, met in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session on 26 July 2024 <...>, hereby:
• Reaffirm the significance and essential role of the TAC as the key code of conduct in governing inter-state relations in the region and as a foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability and emphasised the importance to fulfil obligations under the TAC;
• Acknowledge the importance of ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms with ASEAN as the driving force, and based on international law and the principles of openness, transparency, inclusivity, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, trust and mutual benefit;
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• Deepen cooperation between ASEAN and Russia within the relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms, in particular the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), as well as platforms such as Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) through active, inclusive, full, equal, effective and constructive participation with a view to enhancing ASEAN Centrality and the effectiveness of these mechanisms;
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• Continue ASEAN-Russia high level dialogue, including discussions on the developments in the Asia-Pacific region;
• Promote cooperation in the political-security, economic, social, technical, scientific and administrative fields;
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• Advance constructive cooperation at the United Nations and its various specialised agencies;
• Promote possible practical cooperation on issues of mutual interest between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) <...>.
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We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) and the Russian Federation, met in Vientiane, Lao PDR for the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session on 26 July 2024 <...>, hereby:
• Reaffirm the significance and essential role of the TAC as the key code of conduct in governing inter-state relations in the region and as a foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability and emphasised the importance to fulfil obligations under the TAC;
• Acknowledge the importance of ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms with ASEAN as the driving force, and based on international law and the principles of openness, transparency, inclusivity, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, trust and mutual benefit;
<...>
• Deepen cooperation between ASEAN and Russia within the relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms, in particular the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), as well as platforms such as Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) through active, inclusive, full, equal, effective and constructive participation with a view to enhancing ASEAN Centrality and the effectiveness of these mechanisms;
<...>
• Continue ASEAN-Russia high level dialogue, including discussions on the developments in the Asia-Pacific region;
• Promote cooperation in the political-security, economic, social, technical, scientific and administrative fields;
<...>
• Advance constructive cooperation at the United Nations and its various specialised agencies;
• Promote possible practical cooperation on issues of mutual interest between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) <...>.
Read in full
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the Russia-ASEAN ministerial meeting (Vientiane, July 26, 2024)
💬 I am glad to meet with you again in Vientiane. On this occasion, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our Laotian friends for their hospitality and excellent organisation of this event.
Let me convey our special gratitude to Cambodia, the coordinator of the #RussiaASEAN dialogue over the past three years, for its responsible approach to its duties. Today, the relay baton will be passed on to Myanmar. I would like to welcome the representative of Naypyidaw. <...>
It is gratifying that our dialogue partners and we share a similar vision of the parameters of the emerging multipolar international order based on the firm foundation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, as well as the increased role of Global South nations in multilateral organisations in line with their rapidly growing importance in the world economy and politics.
🇷🇺 Moscow has consistently supported the strengthening #ASEAN’s role in regional affairs. We firmly believe that the ASEAN-centric architecture, based on inclusiveness and equality, regard for the interests of all members, and respect for their identity, should remain the foundation of security and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific Region.
Our relations have become truly comprehensive over the past three decades. Purposeful efforts are being made to increase political and security coordination and counteract modern challenges and threats. We see positive dynamics in practical areas, including the economy, energy, agriculture, and education. A significant event was Russia gaining the ASEAN digital partner status earlier this year.
🤝 I would like to use this opportunity to welcome the representative of East Timor, a new permanent participant in Russia-ASEAN events, and wish Dili successful integration into the political and economic processes in the region.
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💬 I am glad to meet with you again in Vientiane. On this occasion, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our Laotian friends for their hospitality and excellent organisation of this event.
Let me convey our special gratitude to Cambodia, the coordinator of the #RussiaASEAN dialogue over the past three years, for its responsible approach to its duties. Today, the relay baton will be passed on to Myanmar. I would like to welcome the representative of Naypyidaw. <...>
It is gratifying that our dialogue partners and we share a similar vision of the parameters of the emerging multipolar international order based on the firm foundation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, as well as the increased role of Global South nations in multilateral organisations in line with their rapidly growing importance in the world economy and politics.
🇷🇺 Moscow has consistently supported the strengthening #ASEAN’s role in regional affairs. We firmly believe that the ASEAN-centric architecture, based on inclusiveness and equality, regard for the interests of all members, and respect for their identity, should remain the foundation of security and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific Region.
Our relations have become truly comprehensive over the past three decades. Purposeful efforts are being made to increase political and security coordination and counteract modern challenges and threats. We see positive dynamics in practical areas, including the economy, energy, agriculture, and education. A significant event was Russia gaining the ASEAN digital partner status earlier this year.
🤝 I would like to use this opportunity to welcome the representative of East Timor, a new permanent participant in Russia-ASEAN events, and wish Dili successful integration into the political and economic processes in the region.
Read in full
🗓 On July 26, Vientiane hosted Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s annual meeting with the Foreign Ministers representing the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN).
One of the main outcomes of this conference consisted of the adoption of a Joint Statement on the 20th Anniversary of Russia’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, a fundamental document for the association, which provides for building a stable regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific Region.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the performance under the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Federation Strategic Partnership in 2021-2025, and agreed to draft a new medium-term document of this kind for the next period. Discussions also focused on measures to expand practical cooperation on political, security, trade and economic matters, as well as humanitarian affairs.
The participating Foreign Ministers noted the successful launch of a new cooperation track in 2024, which deals with the digital transition. During the meeting, they placed special emphasis on research-intensive sectors and undertaking initiatives to develop smart cities.
🌐 The participants exchanged views on the international agenda, confirming that Russia and ASEAN share converging approaches regarding the most urgent and topical global and regional challenges, and are committed to building a just world order based on the principles of international law, inclusivity and equality.
The conversation also touched upon efforts to promote integration processes across Greater Eurasia. In this context, the participants discussed opportunities for expanding ASEAN’s ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO).
ASEAN thanked Russia for supporting the association’s central role in regional affairs.
🤝 As per tradition, the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere.
#RussiaASEAN
One of the main outcomes of this conference consisted of the adoption of a Joint Statement on the 20th Anniversary of Russia’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, a fundamental document for the association, which provides for building a stable regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific Region.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the performance under the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Federation Strategic Partnership in 2021-2025, and agreed to draft a new medium-term document of this kind for the next period. Discussions also focused on measures to expand practical cooperation on political, security, trade and economic matters, as well as humanitarian affairs.
The participating Foreign Ministers noted the successful launch of a new cooperation track in 2024, which deals with the digital transition. During the meeting, they placed special emphasis on research-intensive sectors and undertaking initiatives to develop smart cities.
🌐 The participants exchanged views on the international agenda, confirming that Russia and ASEAN share converging approaches regarding the most urgent and topical global and regional challenges, and are committed to building a just world order based on the principles of international law, inclusivity and equality.
The conversation also touched upon efforts to promote integration processes across Greater Eurasia. In this context, the participants discussed opportunities for expanding ASEAN’s ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO).
ASEAN thanked Russia for supporting the association’s central role in regional affairs.
🤝 As per tradition, the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere.
#RussiaASEAN
🗓 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Member States of the East Asia Summit (#EAS) and the 31st session of the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF) which were held in Vientiane on July 27.
During discussions on current issues related to the situation in the Asia Pacific Region, the Russian Minister emphasised the importance of efforts to build an open and indivisible architecture of Eurasian security as one of the foundations of the multipolar international order. Apart from #ASEAN, the #SCO and the #EAEU are making a contribution to its strengthening.
❗️ He also indicated the risks to peace and stability in Asia introduced by NATO and the US-created selective bloc mechanisms. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in the regional security system through the build-up of an equitable dialogue and practical interaction.
Participants in the EAS meeting discussed preparations for the 19th East Asia Summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane in October 2024. At previous summits, Russia proposed initiatives to create a regional epidemic response mechanism and to secure economic growth in the Asia Pacific Region by promoting tourism cooperation.
☝️ The ARF session focused on building up the ARF’s potential in counterterrorism, emergency response, and #ICT security. Russia stressed that it is unacceptable to reformat the ARF mandate, restrict certain member states’ access to its activities, or block mutually beneficial cooperation projects for political reasons.
The session approved the ARF’s working plans on countering terrorism and transnational crime for 2024-2026, emergency response for 2024-2027, and a Ministerial Statement on strengthening regional cooperation in ferry service safety.
🤝 The participants also summed up the results of the Russian-Indonesian co-chairmanship of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meetings on ICT security in 2022-2024. A number of practical initiatives to combat cybercrime was implemented during that period.
During discussions on current issues related to the situation in the Asia Pacific Region, the Russian Minister emphasised the importance of efforts to build an open and indivisible architecture of Eurasian security as one of the foundations of the multipolar international order. Apart from #ASEAN, the #SCO and the #EAEU are making a contribution to its strengthening.
❗️ He also indicated the risks to peace and stability in Asia introduced by NATO and the US-created selective bloc mechanisms. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in the regional security system through the build-up of an equitable dialogue and practical interaction.
Participants in the EAS meeting discussed preparations for the 19th East Asia Summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane in October 2024. At previous summits, Russia proposed initiatives to create a regional epidemic response mechanism and to secure economic growth in the Asia Pacific Region by promoting tourism cooperation.
☝️ The ARF session focused on building up the ARF’s potential in counterterrorism, emergency response, and #ICT security. Russia stressed that it is unacceptable to reformat the ARF mandate, restrict certain member states’ access to its activities, or block mutually beneficial cooperation projects for political reasons.
The session approved the ARF’s working plans on countering terrorism and transnational crime for 2024-2026, emergency response for 2024-2027, and a Ministerial Statement on strengthening regional cooperation in ferry service safety.
🤝 The participants also summed up the results of the Russian-Indonesian co-chairmanship of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meetings on ICT security in 2022-2024. A number of practical initiatives to combat cybercrime was implemented during that period.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks following his visit to Malaysia
📍 Kuala Lumpur, July 28, 2024
💬 Today, we held substantive and constructive talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim and my colleague, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
🇷🇺🇲🇾 We discussed all aspects of our bilateral cooperation. It is growing at a fast pace in many spheres, namely between the heads of various departments, including the Foreign Ministry, and parliaments, regional governments, political parties, Islamic organisations, business quarters, as well as analytical and educational centres. In short, we have wide-ranging relations. <...>
Malaysia is interested in expanding cooperation in education. About 700 Malaysian students are studying at our universities, most of them at medical departments. Russian and Malaysian universities maintain direct ties. In 2023, they signed over 30 joint documents, in particular, to launch joint educational programmes and projects in the fields of academic mobility, exchanges and the teaching of the Russian and Malay languages. <...>
🌐 We also discussed cooperation on the international stage, primarily at the UN, as well as in #ASEAN. <...>
We also exchanged views on regional matters. Just like all ASEAN countries and the Muslim world as a whole, our Malaysian friends are especially concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and operations in Gaza. We share the opinion that a ceasefire must be coordinated and painful humanitarian issues addressed as soon as possible. Following that, the sides should launch talks on the practical parameters of establishing a Palestinian state.
Malaysia expressed interest in strengthening ties with #BRICS. We wholeheartedly welcome and will provide assistance to this as the group’s chair.
We talked about the situation in Ukraine and expressed gratitude to our Malaysian colleagues for their balanced and non-partisan stand based on understanding the root causes of that crisis created by the Western efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO and turn it into an “anti-Russia.”
✈️ I have invited my colleague to make a reply visit to Russia. I hope that we will be able to continue our communication soon. We have coordinated a plan of consultations between our deputy ministers and other senior officials on a broad range of international issues.
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📍 Kuala Lumpur, July 28, 2024
💬 Today, we held substantive and constructive talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim and my colleague, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
🇷🇺🇲🇾 We discussed all aspects of our bilateral cooperation. It is growing at a fast pace in many spheres, namely between the heads of various departments, including the Foreign Ministry, and parliaments, regional governments, political parties, Islamic organisations, business quarters, as well as analytical and educational centres. In short, we have wide-ranging relations. <...>
Malaysia is interested in expanding cooperation in education. About 700 Malaysian students are studying at our universities, most of them at medical departments. Russian and Malaysian universities maintain direct ties. In 2023, they signed over 30 joint documents, in particular, to launch joint educational programmes and projects in the fields of academic mobility, exchanges and the teaching of the Russian and Malay languages. <...>
🌐 We also discussed cooperation on the international stage, primarily at the UN, as well as in #ASEAN. <...>
We also exchanged views on regional matters. Just like all ASEAN countries and the Muslim world as a whole, our Malaysian friends are especially concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and operations in Gaza. We share the opinion that a ceasefire must be coordinated and painful humanitarian issues addressed as soon as possible. Following that, the sides should launch talks on the practical parameters of establishing a Palestinian state.
Malaysia expressed interest in strengthening ties with #BRICS. We wholeheartedly welcome and will provide assistance to this as the group’s chair.
We talked about the situation in Ukraine and expressed gratitude to our Malaysian colleagues for their balanced and non-partisan stand based on understanding the root causes of that crisis created by the Western efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO and turn it into an “anti-Russia.”
✈️ I have invited my colleague to make a reply visit to Russia. I hope that we will be able to continue our communication soon. We have coordinated a plan of consultations between our deputy ministers and other senior officials on a broad range of international issues.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following his visit to Malaysia
📍 Kuala Lumpur, July 28, 2024
❓Question: The US has been obsessively trying to create another training ground out of countries in the southeast. Is it relevant to say that cooperation between Russia and Asia can help the region maintain its sovereignty?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Of course. I think we had a chance to see it for ourselves yesterday and the day before in Laos during the East Asia Summit (#EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF).
Russia is seen as a balancing and stabilising factor in the context of countering the extremely sharp-elbowed actions by the countries outside the region, led by the US, who push their military infrastructure, including strategic arms. <...>
Our balanced and clear stance always comes from the need to create platforms for negotiations and to agree on the basis of a balance of interests. This stance receives respect. Certainly, in contrast to the invasive and aggressive course of the US and NATO for military development of the region, our stance is closer to our #ASEAN friends.
❓ Question: Last night saw another escalation in the Middle East, namely a missile attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in which mostly children and teenagers were killed and injured. Israel has accused Lebanon, while Lebanon has put the blame on Israel. What is the likelihood of an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon? What could be done to prevent further bloodshed?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: So far, we do not see any possibility of stopping the bloodshed. In response to numerous calls for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not stop until it destroys Hamas completely. I believe, and many of my colleagues share this view, that the destruction of that organisation, which has significant capabilities and enjoys broad support, including in the Muslim world, is an unrealistic task.
Russia condemns all terrorist attacks committed by any group. We condemned Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. But Israel’s retaliatory actions have been unacceptable. They are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and amount to collective punishment of people, which international conventions prohibit. <...>
I am sure that the main condition for a lasting solution to the Middle East crisis is the fulfilment of the UN Security Council resolution on the establishment of a Palestinian state as soon as possible. This cannot be achieved without restoring Palestinian unity so that the Palestinians themselves can determine the format of negotiations regarding their life in a sovereign state. This goal has not yet been achieved. Efforts must continue towards this end.
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📍 Kuala Lumpur, July 28, 2024
❓Question: The US has been obsessively trying to create another training ground out of countries in the southeast. Is it relevant to say that cooperation between Russia and Asia can help the region maintain its sovereignty?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Of course. I think we had a chance to see it for ourselves yesterday and the day before in Laos during the East Asia Summit (#EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF).
Russia is seen as a balancing and stabilising factor in the context of countering the extremely sharp-elbowed actions by the countries outside the region, led by the US, who push their military infrastructure, including strategic arms. <...>
Our balanced and clear stance always comes from the need to create platforms for negotiations and to agree on the basis of a balance of interests. This stance receives respect. Certainly, in contrast to the invasive and aggressive course of the US and NATO for military development of the region, our stance is closer to our #ASEAN friends.
❓ Question: Last night saw another escalation in the Middle East, namely a missile attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in which mostly children and teenagers were killed and injured. Israel has accused Lebanon, while Lebanon has put the blame on Israel. What is the likelihood of an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon? What could be done to prevent further bloodshed?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: So far, we do not see any possibility of stopping the bloodshed. In response to numerous calls for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not stop until it destroys Hamas completely. I believe, and many of my colleagues share this view, that the destruction of that organisation, which has significant capabilities and enjoys broad support, including in the Muslim world, is an unrealistic task.
Russia condemns all terrorist attacks committed by any group. We condemned Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. But Israel’s retaliatory actions have been unacceptable. They are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and amount to collective punishment of people, which international conventions prohibit. <...>
I am sure that the main condition for a lasting solution to the Middle East crisis is the fulfilment of the UN Security Council resolution on the establishment of a Palestinian state as soon as possible. This cannot be achieved without restoring Palestinian unity so that the Palestinians themselves can determine the format of negotiations regarding their life in a sovereign state. This goal has not yet been achieved. Efforts must continue towards this end.
Read in full