Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi (Moscow, December 17, 2025)
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Today, together with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi, we held substantive, detailed and trust-based talks. They took place, as always, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
We noted the steady and substantive development of Russia-Iran relations. Over recent years, they have been significantly strengthened. In 2025, the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran was signed and entered into force.
As we discussed today, the tasks set by our Presidents at their recent meeting in Ashgabat last week, my colleague and I expressed confidence that the implementation of this intergovernmental document would give an additional and powerful momentum to advancing bilateral cooperation and would contribute to strengthening coordination of our approaches in the international arena.
We share a common view on the need to promote the intensification of business ties. In this regard, the entry into force this year of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, as well as Tehran’s acquisition of observer status with the Union in December 2024, is of great importance. We are interested in further expanding the treaty and legal framework between our countries in order to remove trade barriers.
We underscored the importance of continuing the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. With the support of Russian personnel, it continues to operate normally and did not suspend operations even at the height of the June aggression by Israel and the US against Iran.
We examined in detail the progress in implementing the project to construct the Rasht-Astara railway section using a Russian state loan. The construction of this line is under the priority oversight of our Presidents and is a key prerequisite for the full launch of the western branch of the strategically important International North-South Transport Corridor.
☝️ We condemned the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures that undermine the norms of international law. This is particularly evident today in the context of the Ukrainian crisis.
Europe is attempting to undermine the constructive intentions of the US Administration, including by violating all conceivable norms and principles that until recently governed international economic and financial relations, encroaching on property that the West had only recently declared inviolable, and engaging in many other actions that erode those very principles promoted by Europeans themselves, including within the framework of globalization.
👉 Instead of globalization, we are now witnessing fragmentation.
#RussiaIran
From the Q&A session:
• US actions in the Caribbean are met with rejection by virtually all countries, with the exception of European states. The latter have gone quiet, refraining from any critical remarks towards Washington and subordinating all their thinking to a single goal – persuading the Trump Administration to follow the European path on the Ukrainian issue so as not to halt the war unleashed by the West against Russia.
• We are deeply concerned about the actions of the US Navy and, more broadly, the belligerent statements of the Pentagon, which has declared that, in addition to its unlawful actions of sinking civilian vessels “without trial or investigation” in the Caribbean Sea, it is also planning a ground operation.
• All of this undermines hopes that agreements can be reached within the current balance of forces on the international stage.
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Today, together with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi, we held substantive, detailed and trust-based talks. They took place, as always, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
We noted the steady and substantive development of Russia-Iran relations. Over recent years, they have been significantly strengthened. In 2025, the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran was signed and entered into force.
As we discussed today, the tasks set by our Presidents at their recent meeting in Ashgabat last week, my colleague and I expressed confidence that the implementation of this intergovernmental document would give an additional and powerful momentum to advancing bilateral cooperation and would contribute to strengthening coordination of our approaches in the international arena.
We share a common view on the need to promote the intensification of business ties. In this regard, the entry into force this year of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, as well as Tehran’s acquisition of observer status with the Union in December 2024, is of great importance. We are interested in further expanding the treaty and legal framework between our countries in order to remove trade barriers.
We underscored the importance of continuing the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. With the support of Russian personnel, it continues to operate normally and did not suspend operations even at the height of the June aggression by Israel and the US against Iran.
We examined in detail the progress in implementing the project to construct the Rasht-Astara railway section using a Russian state loan. The construction of this line is under the priority oversight of our Presidents and is a key prerequisite for the full launch of the western branch of the strategically important International North-South Transport Corridor.
☝️ We condemned the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures that undermine the norms of international law. This is particularly evident today in the context of the Ukrainian crisis.
Europe is attempting to undermine the constructive intentions of the US Administration, including by violating all conceivable norms and principles that until recently governed international economic and financial relations, encroaching on property that the West had only recently declared inviolable, and engaging in many other actions that erode those very principles promoted by Europeans themselves, including within the framework of globalization.
👉 Instead of globalization, we are now witnessing fragmentation.
#RussiaIran
From the Q&A session:
• US actions in the Caribbean are met with rejection by virtually all countries, with the exception of European states. The latter have gone quiet, refraining from any critical remarks towards Washington and subordinating all their thinking to a single goal – persuading the Trump Administration to follow the European path on the Ukrainian issue so as not to halt the war unleashed by the West against Russia.
• We are deeply concerned about the actions of the US Navy and, more broadly, the belligerent statements of the Pentagon, which has declared that, in addition to its unlawful actions of sinking civilian vessels “without trial or investigation” in the Caribbean Sea, it is also planning a ground operation.
• All of this undermines hopes that agreements can be reached within the current balance of forces on the international stage.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇮🇷 On December 17, Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi paid a working visit to Moscow and held talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
👉 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The Foreign Ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of Russia-Iran relations, which have reached a qualitatively new level following the entry into force of the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The intensive and productive nature of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as interaction between governments, ministries, agencies and regions, was noted.
Special attention was given to the further expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation, including the implementation of flagship joint projects in the energy and transport sectors.
The Sides held substantive discussions on the implementation of agreements reached following the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Iran in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, as well as preparations for the 19th meeting of the Permanent Russian-Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Tehran in February 2026.
Sergey Lavrov and Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on current international and regional issues, including the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, the Caspian region and Afghanistan. They welcomed the strengthening of coordination at leading multilateral platforms, primarily the #SCO, #BRICS and the #EAEU.
🤝 The talks were held in the traditionally trust-based and constructive atmosphere inherent in Russia-Iran relations.
#RussiaIran
👉 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The Foreign Ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of Russia-Iran relations, which have reached a qualitatively new level following the entry into force of the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The intensive and productive nature of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as interaction between governments, ministries, agencies and regions, was noted.
Special attention was given to the further expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation, including the implementation of flagship joint projects in the energy and transport sectors.
The Sides held substantive discussions on the implementation of agreements reached following the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Iran in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, as well as preparations for the 19th meeting of the Permanent Russian-Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Tehran in February 2026.
Sergey Lavrov and Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on current international and regional issues, including the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, the Caspian region and Afghanistan. They welcomed the strengthening of coordination at leading multilateral platforms, primarily the #SCO, #BRICS and the #EAEU.
🤝 The talks were held in the traditionally trust-based and constructive atmosphere inherent in Russia-Iran relations.
#RussiaIran
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📰 Article by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for African media dedicated to the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (December 18, 2025)
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
We have virtually no disagreements with any African countries and the level of trust and mutual affinity is high, mainly because our relations with Africa have never been tarnished. We have never been involved in the exploitation of African peoples.
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🔴 #LIVE: 2025 Annual News Conference and Direct Line with the people of Russia by President Vladimir Putin
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
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🔴 Facebook
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Kremlin.News
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia at the 2025 Year-End Conference (December 19, 2025)
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On December 18, building on the UN General Assembly resolution 80/106 “International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations”, adopted on December 5 at the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with Russia’s participation, a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📸 #PhotoOfTheDay
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the meeting of the United Russia General Council’s Commission on International Cooperation (Moscow, December 18, 2025)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: One of the most egregious forms of neo-colonialism is interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The West has never relinquished these methods, though they have evolved and become more superficially acceptable. Their essence, however, remains unchanged: to prosper at others’ expense and to dictate how other nations should organise their governance and societies.
The tools employed include coercive pressure, direct military intervention, orchestrating so-called colour revolutions, and covert (and at times overt) interference in electoral processes – attempting to manipulate the free expression of citizens’ will and to dispute election results across a wide array of countries. Today, what we may rightly term “electoral neo-colonialism” poses a very real threat to the nations of the Global Majority. <...>
To discredit and falsify elections (when their outcomes do not suit the West and align with the aspirations of Western elites), a whole arsenal of unscrupulous methods is deployed. These include funding so-called “independent” (in reality, pro-Western) media, brazenly promoting false narratives, aggressively backing Western-favoured candidates regardless of their meagre domestic popularity, and manipulating international observation mechanisms. Biased assessments of election results are then laundered through structures like the OSCE/ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights] observation missions and presented as the “opinion of the international community.” <...>
All our efforts undertaken since the end of the 1990s and focused on the election factor to reach an agreement on drafting a provision regulating the operation of the ODIHR, primarily in election monitoring, which was to be adopted by consensus at the OSCE, have been rejected by the West. <...>
I was shocked by the “candour” of EU politicians when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly cautioned US President Trump against interfering in European democracy a week ago: “It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That’s the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected. Nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question.”
🤷♂️ Everyone remembers how it happened in Romania and Moldova, yet these people do not hesitate to make such “statements.”
As for election technologies, our country has been in the spotlight and under the gaze of Western geopolitical spin-doctors. We saw an unprecedented number of attempts at meddling during the Russian Federation’s presidential election in March 2024, unprecedented in the variety of forms and sophistication of methods. A wide variety of methods were actively used. The ill-wishers, who stood behind them, were attempting to discredit the free expression of people’s will and call into question its legitimacy and conformity to law. More than that, this was the case at all stages of the election campaign, from its announcement, or maybe even earlier, to the official designation of timeframes, to the nomination period, to the registration of nominees, to the polling days, and to the election count. <...>
We need to counterpose the multiplicity of democratic forms of statehood and organisation of society with what Europeans are attempting to impose on the rest of the world through their neoliberal agenda.
The fact that the United States no longer desires such democracy as it is understood in Europe is a serious indicator. Not long ago, US President Donald Trump, commenting on the Ukraine situation, advised Zelensky not to trample on democracy and to hold elections.
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: One of the most egregious forms of neo-colonialism is interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The West has never relinquished these methods, though they have evolved and become more superficially acceptable. Their essence, however, remains unchanged: to prosper at others’ expense and to dictate how other nations should organise their governance and societies.
The tools employed include coercive pressure, direct military intervention, orchestrating so-called colour revolutions, and covert (and at times overt) interference in electoral processes – attempting to manipulate the free expression of citizens’ will and to dispute election results across a wide array of countries. Today, what we may rightly term “electoral neo-colonialism” poses a very real threat to the nations of the Global Majority. <...>
To discredit and falsify elections (when their outcomes do not suit the West and align with the aspirations of Western elites), a whole arsenal of unscrupulous methods is deployed. These include funding so-called “independent” (in reality, pro-Western) media, brazenly promoting false narratives, aggressively backing Western-favoured candidates regardless of their meagre domestic popularity, and manipulating international observation mechanisms. Biased assessments of election results are then laundered through structures like the OSCE/ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights] observation missions and presented as the “opinion of the international community.” <...>
All our efforts undertaken since the end of the 1990s and focused on the election factor to reach an agreement on drafting a provision regulating the operation of the ODIHR, primarily in election monitoring, which was to be adopted by consensus at the OSCE, have been rejected by the West. <...>
I was shocked by the “candour” of EU politicians when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly cautioned US President Trump against interfering in European democracy a week ago: “It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That’s the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected. Nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question.”
🤷♂️ Everyone remembers how it happened in Romania and Moldova, yet these people do not hesitate to make such “statements.”
As for election technologies, our country has been in the spotlight and under the gaze of Western geopolitical spin-doctors. We saw an unprecedented number of attempts at meddling during the Russian Federation’s presidential election in March 2024, unprecedented in the variety of forms and sophistication of methods. A wide variety of methods were actively used. The ill-wishers, who stood behind them, were attempting to discredit the free expression of people’s will and call into question its legitimacy and conformity to law. More than that, this was the case at all stages of the election campaign, from its announcement, or maybe even earlier, to the official designation of timeframes, to the nomination period, to the registration of nominees, to the polling days, and to the election count. <...>
We need to counterpose the multiplicity of democratic forms of statehood and organisation of society with what Europeans are attempting to impose on the rest of the world through their neoliberal agenda.
The fact that the United States no longer desires such democracy as it is understood in Europe is a serious indicator. Not long ago, US President Donald Trump, commenting on the Ukraine situation, advised Zelensky not to trample on democracy and to hold elections.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇺🇳 24 years ago, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established.
Its mandate includes developing best practices to address challenges related to global urbanization, facilitating experience exchange, and promoting new technologies in urban management and development. The Programme’s headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Russia has been productively cooperating with #UNHabitat since the establishment in 1977 of its predecessor, the UN Centre for Human Settlements.
On 21 December 2001, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution upgrading the Centre to the status of a full-fledged UN operational agency.
We support UN-Habitat as a key structure within the UN system for ensuring specialised intergovernmental cooperation.
As an active member of its governing bodies and one of the leading contributors to its budget, Russia consistently advocates for enhancing the Programme’s effectiveness in line with its mandate, unlocking its full potential, and strengthening its sustainability, transparency and financial stability.
Following the elections to the Executive Board, Russia was re-elected by acclamation to this governing body for the 2025–2029 term.
Within UN-Habitat’s programme activities, we attach primary importance to upholding the interests of the Global South and advancing a positive, unifying agenda.
🥳 We congratulate the Secretariat and Member States on this anniversary and wish them continued success!
Its mandate includes developing best practices to address challenges related to global urbanization, facilitating experience exchange, and promoting new technologies in urban management and development. The Programme’s headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Russia has been productively cooperating with #UNHabitat since the establishment in 1977 of its predecessor, the UN Centre for Human Settlements.
On 21 December 2001, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution upgrading the Centre to the status of a full-fledged UN operational agency.
We support UN-Habitat as a key structure within the UN system for ensuring specialised intergovernmental cooperation.
As an active member of its governing bodies and one of the leading contributors to its budget, Russia consistently advocates for enhancing the Programme’s effectiveness in line with its mandate, unlocking its full potential, and strengthening its sustainability, transparency and financial stability.
Following the elections to the Executive Board, Russia was re-elected by acclamation to this governing body for the 2025–2029 term.
Within UN-Habitat’s programme activities, we attach primary importance to upholding the interests of the Global South and advancing a positive, unifying agenda.
🥳 We congratulate the Secretariat and Member States on this anniversary and wish them continued success!
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📄 JOINT STATEMENT by the Participants in the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (Cairo, December 20, 2025)
✍️ We, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the African States recognised by the UN, the Leadership of the African Union Commission and the executive bodies of the leading African integration organisations, as well as their representatives:
• We are pleased to note the strategic level of Africa-Russia cooperation and the dynamic implementation of the agreements enshrined in the final documents of the First (Sochi, 23–24 October 2019) and Second (Saint Petersburg, 27–28 July 2023) Russia–Africa Summits, including the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026.
• We express our willingness to proceed with the preparation of the next Action Plan for 2026–2029 aiming at its adoption at the third Russia–Africa Summit.
• We reconfirm the shared responsibility of African States and Russia to promote a just and stable world based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of all peoples to self-determination as provided for, inter alia, by UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 79/115 of 4 December 2024.
Political Cooperation
• We acknowledge the intense dynamics of political engagement between Russia and African States, including at the high and highest levels, and welcome the expansion of mutual diplomatic presence.
• We advocate for cooperative, rather than confrontational relations. We recognize the value of diverse multilateral platforms, including BRICS, in promoting a more inclusive and representative system of global governance.
• We reaffirm our commitment to further facilitating, on a bilateral basis, of conditions for reciprocal travels between Russia and African States, in particular to increase business, education, cultural, tourist and other people-to-people exchanges.
Security Cooperation
• We call on the world community to consolidate political and diplomatic efforts aimed at overall reduction of tensions, peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts and prevention of new crises as well as ensuring lasting and comprehensive global and regional stability.
• We advocate for compliance with international law and reject any approaches threatening stability in Africa. We emphasise the importance of respecting the universal Africa-led solutions, with partners supporting where appropriate and deplore the involvement of external actors in fuelling conflicts in Africa.
• We reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, its financing and providing of safe havens to terrorists.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
• We acknowledge the positive dynamics in mutual trade between the Russian Federation and African States, despite the unilateral coercive measures in force. Given the potential of Russia–Africa trade and economic cooperation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to significantly increase and diversify its scale.
• We underscore the importance of expanding the participation of Russian companies in Africa, including through cooperation focused on establishing and strengthening manufacturing and industrial capabilities.
• We reaffirm our determination to enhance interaction in the fuel and energy industries and in the field of critical raw minerals essential for just and balanced energy transition, particularly on the African continent.
Read the full statement: Part I / Part II
✍️ We, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the African States recognised by the UN, the Leadership of the African Union Commission and the executive bodies of the leading African integration organisations, as well as their representatives:
• We are pleased to note the strategic level of Africa-Russia cooperation and the dynamic implementation of the agreements enshrined in the final documents of the First (Sochi, 23–24 October 2019) and Second (Saint Petersburg, 27–28 July 2023) Russia–Africa Summits, including the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026.
• We express our willingness to proceed with the preparation of the next Action Plan for 2026–2029 aiming at its adoption at the third Russia–Africa Summit.
• We reconfirm the shared responsibility of African States and Russia to promote a just and stable world based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of all peoples to self-determination as provided for, inter alia, by UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 79/115 of 4 December 2024.
Political Cooperation
• We acknowledge the intense dynamics of political engagement between Russia and African States, including at the high and highest levels, and welcome the expansion of mutual diplomatic presence.
• We advocate for cooperative, rather than confrontational relations. We recognize the value of diverse multilateral platforms, including BRICS, in promoting a more inclusive and representative system of global governance.
• We reaffirm our commitment to further facilitating, on a bilateral basis, of conditions for reciprocal travels between Russia and African States, in particular to increase business, education, cultural, tourist and other people-to-people exchanges.
Security Cooperation
• We call on the world community to consolidate political and diplomatic efforts aimed at overall reduction of tensions, peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts and prevention of new crises as well as ensuring lasting and comprehensive global and regional stability.
• We advocate for compliance with international law and reject any approaches threatening stability in Africa. We emphasise the importance of respecting the universal Africa-led solutions, with partners supporting where appropriate and deplore the involvement of external actors in fuelling conflicts in Africa.
• We reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, its financing and providing of safe havens to terrorists.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
• We acknowledge the positive dynamics in mutual trade between the Russian Federation and African States, despite the unilateral coercive measures in force. Given the potential of Russia–Africa trade and economic cooperation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to significantly increase and diversify its scale.
• We underscore the importance of expanding the participation of Russian companies in Africa, including through cooperation focused on establishing and strengthening manufacturing and industrial capabilities.
• We reaffirm our determination to enhance interaction in the fuel and energy industries and in the field of critical raw minerals essential for just and balanced energy transition, particularly on the African continent.
Read the full statement: Part I / Part II