Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🇷🇺🇿🇼 On February 18, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Dr Amon Murwiraexchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Zimbabwe. The Foreign Ministers commended the substantive political dialogue conducted at various levels and reaffirmed Moscow and Harare’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade and economic, investment, scientific and educational, cultural and humanitarian and other fields. They underscored Russia and Zimbabwe’s readiness to expand coordination on the international stage in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support – for the benefit of their peoples and in the interests of strengthening security on the African continent in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. #RussiaZimbabwe

⚡️ Head of the Russian delegation, Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, on the outcomes of the tripartite talks in Geneva (February 17-18): 💬 As you know, the negotiations continued for two days – for quite a long time yesterday in various formats and about two hours today. They were difficult, but businesslike. The next meeting will take place in the near future.

📹#VideoOfTheDay 🇷🇺🇨🇺🤝 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov greets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrillaahead of bilateral talks in Moscow. #RussiaCuba

🔴#LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Moscow 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia’s MFA website

🔴#LIVE: Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues 🔴X (ex-Twitter) 🔴Facebook 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia’s MFA website

⚡️ The three-party talks are ongoing in Geneva. Russia's delegation helmed by the Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, comprising several members including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin arrives at the venue.

🇷🇺🇧🇫 February 18 marks the 59th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Burkina Faso. In recent years, bilateral cooperation has reached a qualitatively new level. At the end of 2023, after a hiatus of more than 30 years, the Russian Embassy in Ouagadougou resumed its work. A regular political dialogue has been established, including at the highest level. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Burkina Faso’s Leader, Ibrahim Traoré, maintain regular contact. Most recently, on May 10, 2025, the two Leaders held a bilateral meeting in Moscow. A significant milestone was reached on February 12,2026, when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkinabe counterpart, Karamoko Traoré,signedthe Agreement on the Principles of Relations between the Russian Federation and Burkina Faso. Cooperation in the political, economic, and legal spheres is being steadily strengthened, and the possibility of establishing an intergovernmental commission is currently under consideration. Cultural and humanitarian ties are being promoted by the Russia House, which has been operating in Ouagadougou since 2024 and offers, among other activities, Russian language courses. There is also significant potential for greater cooperation in healthcare and sanitation. 🤝We greatly value our close coordination with Burkina Faso on the international stage, including within the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. 🎉 On this shared holiday, we extend our warmest wishes to our Burkinabe colleagues and friends. #RussiaBurkinaFaso

🗓 On February 17, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovhosted a working lunch with the heads of diplomatic missions from BRICS Members and partner countries accredited in Moscow. The discussion focused on current global issues, highlighting the importance of preserving the UN’s central role. The participants stressed the need for joint efforts to reform the global governance system and enhance the influence of countries representing the Global Majority in international decision-making. A shared commitment was also expressed toraising #BRICS international profile and strengthening coordination among its members in key multilateral forums. The participants held a comprehensive exchange of views on enhancing the strategic partnership within the group, taking into account the priorities outlined under India’s BRICS chairmanship this year. #RussiaBRICS

⚡️ Russia's delegation helmed by the Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky has arrived at the venue in Geneva where the talks on the Ukraine Crisis will take place. The delegation includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

The First Conference of the International Association of Young Diplomats ⚡️️️️️️On February 12, a landmark event took place at MGIMO: the First Conference of the International Association of Young Diplomats. The event was organized by the MGIMO International Unit and the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference brought together young diplomats from around the world, as well as their senior colleagues — high-ranking diplomats from approximately 60 countries, including the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan. The forum opened with a welcoming video address from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov. ➖The Russian Foreign Minister echoed the words of President Vladimir Putin, stating that "Peace does not come by itself; it is built, and it is built every day," emphasizing that a special role in this construction belongs to young diplomats. Many of them are graduates of MGIMO — a university that today is one of the largest scientific and educational centers in Russia and the world. A welcome address to the conference participants was delivered by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Rector of MGIMO, Anatoly Torkunov. ➖Anatoly Torkunov expressed confidence that the growing movement of young diplomats will receive support both in Russian society and among foreign colleagues. ➖The Rector paid special attention to international students: today, about 1,500 foreign citizens are studying at MGIMO, and this number continues to grow. "Studying at our University serves as a platform for forming strong interpersonal, and in the future, intergovernmental contacts," noted A. Torkunov. ▪️ The conference participants were also addressed by Ekaterina Akopyan, Chair of the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Konstantin Kolpakov , Head of the Department for International Sports, Youth Cooperation and Tourism at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 👉The main program included two sessions: ➖Orientation Session of the the International Association of Young Diplomats Secretariat (moderated by Konstantin Kolpakov, Head of the Department for International Sports, Youth Cooperation and Tourism, Russian MFA). ➖Presentation of MGIMO's International Educational Potential (moderated by Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for International Ties, Youth and Social Policy). A prize-winner of the MGIMO International School Olympiad , now a first-year student at the MGIMO School of International Relations, Anoushka Joyti Kalita , also shared her experience during the session: "The Olympiad is a springboard for those who want to dedicate themselves to international relations." MGIMO is proud to train diplomats, economists, and politicians who will build bridges between countries! Learn more about MGIMO on ourwebsite. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

February 13 wraps up the Days of Russian Culture in Qatar🇷🇺🇶🇦 👏 To celebrate the Days of Russian Culture in Qatar, from February 11 till 13 the Darb Al Saai cultural cluster hosted a lineup of different events, including performances by dance and song ensembles from Dagestan, Kalmykia, Moscow and Tatarstan, as well as creative ensembles of the Russian diaspora in Qatar, an applied arts exhibition and a number of various creative workshops. ❤️ The Days of Russian Culture provided a unique opportunity for the Qatari public to join in the richness and diversity of our country’s cultural heritage, bringing the spirit of Russia to the Qatari soil. And Qatar reciprocated in spades: throughout the festival’s three-day run, more than 6,000 people visited Darb Al Saai, creating a palpable atmosphere of unity and genuine interest. 🤝 We express our utmost gratitude to the leadership of Rosconcert, as well as the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Qatari branch of the World Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots (WCC), for their contribution to organizing the event on the highest professional level. 🤝 We wholeheartedly thank the creative participants – the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Dagestan “Lezginka”, the State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Kalmykia “Tulip”, the Creative Association of Professional Musicians “Moscow Folk Choir”, the State Dance and Song Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Youth Club “Perekrestok”, the Ballet and Folk Art Studio “Arabesques of Qatar” and Choir “Kamerton” – for their amazing and dedicated performances that became the highlight of the festival. 🤝 We sincerely thank each and every visitor for your kind attention to the event and genuine interest in Russian culture. The resounding success of the Days of Russian Culture in Qatar wouldn’t have been possible were it not for your active participation and support. 📸 Photos: courtesy of Rosconcert

#Announcement 🎙 On Wednesday, February 18, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold her weekly briefing on current foreign policy issues. 🕚 11.00 am MSK 🕗 8.00 am GMT 🕘 9.00 am CET 🕓 4.00 pm CST (Beijing) For accreditation inquiries, please contact the MFA Press Centre. Accredited journalists will receive details on the technical aspects of submitting questions. The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman will answer media questions received by the call centre. ❗️Accreditation is open until February 17, 10.00 am MSK.