Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🇷🇺🇲🇾President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Supreme Ruler of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, who arrived in Moscow to take part in the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War(May 9, 2026) 💬Vladimir Putin: Allow me to warmly welcome you once again – this time to Moscow. Last time, you and I met in St Petersburg. I would like to thank you for finding the opportunity and the time to come to Russia and join us in celebrating Victory Day – a day we hold very dear. On this day, we remember the sacrifices made by our country, and by all humanity, in the struggle against Nazism. Relations between our countries are developing well. Next year, we will mark the anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and much has been accomplished by both Sides over this period. Trade and economic ties are developing. We note that there has been a certain adjustment – a slight decline in volumes – but I believe that, overall, we will certainly be able to overcome this trend in the very near future. All the prerequisites for this are in place. We actively cooperate on the international stage, in various international organisations, including the #UN, #ASEAN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. As for ASEAN, Malaysia chaired the organisation last year. We hold regular events, take part in these events, and are marking the 35th anniversary of the Organisation. We agreed on corresponding joint steps in this area in Kazan. 🤝 I would like to thank you once again for joining us in expressing the hope that relations between our states will continue to develop as steadily as they have to date. At the intergovernmental level, we maintain very close ties. I am confident – that this will remain the case in the future. #RussiaMalaysia

🇷🇺🇪🇬📞On May 4, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty had a telephone conversation at the request of the Egyptian Side. The Foreign Ministers had a detailed discussion of the current situation in the Middle East that resulted from the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. They stressed the need to resume the negotiating process with a view to reaching, as soon as possible, agreements on a long-term and sustainable settlement of the crisis in the Persian Gulf, taking into account the legitimate interests of all countries in the region. The conversation also covered Moscow-Cairo cooperation at the #UN, preparations for the #BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held on May 14-15 in New Delhi, as well as certain aspects of further developing bilateral Russia-Egypt cooperation. #RussiaEgypt

🇷🇺🇵🇰 May 1 marks 7️⃣8️⃣ years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our country and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In the early years of #Pakistan’s independence, the Soviet Union provided significant economic assistance to the newly-established state, having supplied back then tens of thousands of tonnes of food grain. In the 1970s, with Moscow’s expertise, Pakistan launched the development of its largest steel mill in Karachi, the Muzaffargarh; Multan-II and Guddu thermal power plants, and a radio station near Islamabad. The USSR also helped in setting up the Oil & Gas Development Company and in developing agriculture in the Islamic Republic. 🤝Enhancing the mutually beneficial partnership with Pakistan is one of Russia’s foreign policy priorities in #SouthAsia. The dialogue between Moscow and Islamabad is actively developing. The bilateral cooperation between our countries is based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, overlapping positions on the majority of aspects on the international agenda. Regular meetings are held by Russia-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. In 2023, our mutual trade turnover between our countries exceeded $1 billion. Today, Russian and Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are preparing to launch a joint project to produce insulin in Pakistan. Cooperation in education is also expanding: for the 2025-2026 academic year, 152 Russian government grants have been given for Pakistani students to study at Russian universities. The number of students studying Russian at universities in Pakistan has been steadily increasing year-to-year. 🌐 Russia and Pakistan work closely together on international platforms, including the #UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) which is a key element of the security and sustainable development system in #Eurasia. Pakistan is also one of Russia’s key international partners in addressing the security challenges and threats. We stand ready to continue working together to further strengthen ties between our nations and peoples, and to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the political, economic, educational, cultural, humanitarian and other areas. 🎉 We extend our warmest greetings to our Pakistani colleagues on this shared landmark day — the anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations! #RussiaPakistan

🇷🇺🇰🇿Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev (Astana, 30 April 2026) 💬Sergey Lavrov: Kazakhstan and Russia are closest neighbours and allies. Our peoples are bound by centuries-old traditions offriendship and mutual respect. These relations are enshrined in numerous interstate documents. One of the most important dimensions of the quality of our relations is our shared memory of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We always mark the anniversary of the Great Victory together, holding special events both in Kazakhstan and in Russia. There is no doubt that, in the current conditions, this memory has not only historical significance, but also a very practical dimension, given the persistent line of a number of European states to revive Nazism in new forms, including by once again setting the peoples of Europe against our country. ☝️Once, they targeted our common state. Today, Russia is the main target – but the essence has not changed. Russia-Kazakhstan relations are highly intensive, multidimensional and comprehensive. Most importantly, they contribute to maintaining stability across the common Eurasian space. Today, our interstate dialogue spans virtually every area, underpinned by the maturity, stability and steady development of Kazakhstan’s statehood. In our practical work on the bilateral track, we are guided by the instructions of our Leaders, who maintain regular close contact, meeting in person and speaking by phone, to discuss current aspects of cooperation and the increasingly complex international situation. 🤝Russia and Kazakhstan maintain extensive economic ties – we are key trade and investment partners. We maintain positive dynamics in these areas and note the growing non-resource component of export-import operations, while the lion’s share of settlements is carried out in national currencies and without intermediaries. We are developing privileged partnership in transport and energy, with particular emphasis on peaceful nuclear energy. We are committed to continuing constructive engagement on the international stage, primarily within the #EAEU, #CSTO, #CIS and #SCO. In our conversations and talks, we also touch upon the #UN. We have matching assessments of the difficult processes unfolding in that organisation. In particular, we paid close attention to the assessments of the UN’s activities recently set out by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye. We are ready to exchange views on the situation in Central Asia, which is of common interest to us. We also expect to continue discussing developments in the broader Eurasian context. Read in full #RussiaKazakhstan

🗓April 26 is a national holiday in the United Republic of Tanzania — #UnionDay. On this day in 1964, #Tanzaniawas formed through the union of the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. 🤝 The diplomatic relations between the USSR and Tanganyika were established on December 11, 1961. The Soviet Union provided significant grant aid to the young African state and played an active part in developing Tanzania’s infrastructure. Soviet specialists carried out geological exploration in the south-west of the country, which led to the discovery of gold deposits. Work was also undertaken to search for oil and gas reserves. Many Tanzanian students received their higher education at Soviet universities. 🇷🇺🇹🇿 Russia and Tanzania maintain regular political dialogue. In July 2024, President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks with Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. On February 9, 2026, in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, MahmoudThabit Kombo. 💬 From Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during the meeting with Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo: Our countries share a long history of relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Tanzania. Russia and Tanzania share fundamental views in support of a polycentric world order and the principles of justice and equality in international affairs. 🤝Our countries are committed to further deepening constructive cooperation and coordinating our efforts on pressing issues on the global and regional agendas – both in the #UN and in other multilateral formats. 🎉 All the best to our Tanzanian colleagues and friends on their national holiday! Wishing you continued success and a thriving future. #RussiaTanzania#RussiaAfrica

🇷🇺🇨🇳On April 14-15, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov paid an official visit to China. During the visit, he was received by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and held substantive talks with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi. 📹Statement and answers to media questions by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following his visit to China President Xi welcomed the Russian Foreign Minister's visit and spoke highly of the unprecedented level of bilateral relations, highlighting the significant results achieved over 30 years of strategic cooperation, grounded in the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation of July 16, 2001, which has successfully guided ties between the two countries for a quarter of a century. Sergey Lavrov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Xi Jinping from President Vladimir Putin, who is preparing to pay an official visit to China in the first half of the year. Russia’s Foreign Minister underscored the guiding role of leader-level diplomacy in steadily advancing Russia-China ties across all areas. During his talks with Wang Yi, Sergey Lavrov held an in-depth exchange of views on a broad range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. ☝️Particular attention was given to pressing international issues, including the situation around Iran, the Ukraine crisis and developments in Latin America. The Sides emphasiszed the importance of further strengthening coordination between Moscow and Beijing on the international stage, including at the #UN and its Security Council, the #SCO, #BRICS, #APEC, the #G20 and other multilateral platforms. The Ministers also touched upon issues related to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and discussed cooperation in the post-Soviet space. 🤝 The talks were held in the friendly, trusting and constructive atmosphere that has come to define Russia-China relations. #RussiaChina

🎙Opening remarks by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping: 📍April 15, 2026, Beijing 💬Sergey Lavrov: Mr President, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your warm words addressed to us and for this meeting. It underscores your personal attention to the development of mutually beneficial strategic relations with Russia, as well as to the agenda that will be discussed at the next summit during the upcoming visit of President Vladimir Putin to China. Yesterday, my colleague and friend Wang Yi and I held very detailed discussions on preparations for this major upcoming visit. Thanks to the diplomacy of the two Leaders – yourself and Vladimir Putin – our relations continue to demonstrate a high degree of resilience amid the upheavalsthat have engulfed the modern world both economically and geopolitically. Regrettably, these contradictions are increasingly taking on a military dimension. Against this backdrop, Russia-China relations, which serve as a stabilizing factor in international affairs, are becoming ever more significant for the rest of the world, for the Global Majority, which seeks not problems or turbulence, but calm conditions for sustainable long-term development. It is in this context that we held detailed discussions and will brief you today on the outcome of our exchange. Bilateral relations are on the rise in trade, investment, humanitarian affairs, culture and across all other areas. We also discussed regional and international issues, both from the standpoint of future Russia-China coordination on the bilateral track and in terms of our joint work at the #UN, the UN Security Council, the #SCO, #BRICS, the #G20 and #APEC. As we agreed yesterday,we now haverobust roadmaps for further progress across all tracks identified by you and President Vladimir Putin for the period ahead. #RussiaChina

#Announcement 🇷🇺🇨🇳 On April 14-15, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, as part of which he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Foreign Ministers will discuss a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, prospects for contacts at various levels, and coordination on the international stage, with a focus on joint work within the #UN, #BRICS, the #SCO, the #G20, #APEC and other multilateral mechanisms and forums. A substantive exchange of views is also expected on a number of pressing international and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Middle East. #RussiaChina

🇷🇺🇹🇲April 8 marks 3️⃣4️⃣ years of diplomatic relations between Russia and Turkmenistan. The dialogue between Moscow and Ashgabat, which was given the status of a strategic partnership in 2017, is intense and based on the solid foundation of shared history, good-neighbourliness, mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests. The special nature of bilateral cooperation is enshrined in the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership, which the Presidents of Russia and Turkmenistan signed in Moscow in the summer of 2022. The Document serves as a cornerstone for deepening ties across a broad range of areas including trade, energy, transport, digital technologies, education, culture, and information and biological security. Our countries maintain political dialogue at the high and highest levels, and exchange views on international and regional issues. Russia respects Turkmenistan’s neutral status, which is a vital factor of global stability and geopolitical balance. In 2025, Ashgabat marked the 3️⃣0️⃣th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the #UNGA resolutions. 🤝 On June 24-25, 2025, Russia's Foreign Minister SergeyLavrovpaid an official visit to Turkmenistan, where he was received by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and held substantive talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov. The negotiations were followed by the the signing of the Programme for Cooperation between Foreign Ministries of Russia and Turkmenistan for 2025-2026. 🎙 Excerpt from SergeyLavrov’s remarks and answers to questions during a meeting with employees of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan and faculty and students of the Institute of International Relations (Ashgabat, June 25, 2025): Russia-Turkmenistan cooperation can serve as a compelling example of relations between countries in a #MultipolarWorld, where the global balance continues to shift due to the strengthening of power centres beyond the historical West. <...> ✍️ From the article by Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan IvanVolynkin"Pursuing the Deepening Strategic Partnership",published in the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, for the 3️⃣4️⃣th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries (April 8, 2026): Moscow highly appreciates Ashgabat’s consistent diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region. One can say with certainty that Turkmenistan has a solid reputation as a respected platform for international meetings and talks that result in the adoption of important strategic initiatives. 📈 Russia is a leading trade and economic partner ofTurkmenistan.Over the past three years, Russia delivered to Turkmenistan goods and products worth of over $1.5 billion. Russian corporations, such as Gazprom, Tatneft, KAMAZ, the Vozrozhdenie Design and ConstructionGroup, and other economic entities, operate successfully in Turkmenistan. Our countries maintain close coordination across the main international and regional platforms, including the #CIS, the #UN, the Caspian Five, and in the Central Asia-Russia format. Moscow welcomes Ashgabat’s participation in the events held by #BRICS. 🌟 In Turkmenistan, our common history and the sacred memory of the heroism of our people during #WWII, is cherished. After Nazi Germany treacherously attacked our Motherland in 1941, 3'000 volunteers from the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic joined the Red Army, with hundreds of thousands fighting against Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War. In May 2025, our countries jointly celebrated the 8️⃣0️⃣th anniversary of the Great Victory. Russia appreciated the fact that President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow. An army unit from Turkmenistan took part in the parade to respect the memory of our combat brotherhood in #WW2. 🎉 We extend our cordial congratulations to our friends and colleagues in Turkmenistan on our shared anniversary, wish them prosperity and success! #RussiaTurkmenistan

🇷🇺🇦🇪📞On March 8, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed had follow-up a telephone conversation (to the one on March 1). The Ministers expressed deep concern over the situation around Iran and spoke in favour of immediate steps to de-escalate the military confrontation. Attention was drawn to the need to halt attacks leading to civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure both in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and in Iran. ❗️ The Sides consider it fundamentally important to resume political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching agreements to ensure reliable, long-term security in the region. It was agreed to remain in contact and promote coordinated positions at the #UN and other international platforms. #RussiaUAE

🎙Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint press conference with the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Erywan Yusof(March 3, 2026, Moscow) Key points: • Brunei is our reliable long-standing partner in the Asia-Pacific region. This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. • We substantively reviewed the state and prospects of our cooperation. We agreed to take additional practical steps to advance political contacts. We also noted the importance of maintaining the high pace of growth in our trade turnover. Last year it reached a record level of nearly $900 million. • We agreed to deepen coordination within the #UN, the #OIC, and the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership. This dialogue also marks its 35th anniversary this year. Corresponding events will take place. • Undoubtedly, the conflict of today – essentially a war – is the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its consequences are already being felt across the entire region, including Arab states, which are also bearing the costs – both economic and human. • We believe it is necessary to speak categorically and resolutely in favour of the immediate cessation of hostilities. Everything must be done to stop these actions – as well as the war itself. We regularly hear about its stated objectives, yet we still see no evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons – which was presented as the main, if not the only, justification for the war. *** From the Q&A session: ❓ Question: Russia has called for ending the war in Iran. You also said sanctions are absolutely unacceptable as a method of resolving issues and that international law is not working. What mechanisms – diplomatic or otherwise – could help prevent escalation and expansion of the conflict? In other words, how can what Israel and the United States are currently doing be stopped, and how dangerous do you see the situation in the Middle East? 💬Sergey Lavrov: I am convinced that the mechanisms can only be political and diplomatic. As for the mechanisms that could be used now, one may recall our initiative to establish a collective security system in the Persian Gulf, which envisaged full normalization of relations between Iran, its neighbours and the Arab monarchies. This initiative is more than 25 years old. We have consistently promoted relevant efforts that a couple of years ago helped Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to restore relations. Iran also maintains relations with several other states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. ❓Question: Israel yesterday announced the mobilisation of 100,000 reservists and declared preparations for a ground operation in Lebanon. This morning the Israeli army reported that it had taken positions in southern Lebanon. How does Russia assess these statements and the risks of escalation on the Lebanese track? 💬Sergey Lavrov: Of course, this is an escalation and a departure from the existing agreements regarding Lebanon, the status of southern Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the positions the sides should occupy on both banks of the Litani River. There are many arrangements there – and they are now being violated. Israel says that Hezbollah has begun defending Iran, therefore it is carrying out numerous strikes against Lebanon. ❗️ This is a vicious circle, and it will never be broken unless all these issues are addressed comprehensively. A Middle East conference, which we have proposed for many years, would now be particularly timely. In the absence of such a forum – where all parties are represented and each can defend, explain and argue their position and seek a balance of interests – individual powers end up deciding the region’s problems. This is what we see happening in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, and now with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Read in full

🇷🇺🇴🇲📞On March 3, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi had a telephone conversation. The Ministers discussed the situation around Iran. The Russian Side emphasized the need for the earliest possible cessation of any military action and a return to a political and diplomatic settlement. The importance of taking into account the legitimate interests of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf was underscored. They confirmed Russia’s and Oman’s readiness – including within the framework of the #UN – to facilitate the search for compromise-based peaceful solutions grounded in respect for the fundamental norms of international law. Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation to the authorities of Oman for their assistance in organizing the return to Russia of Russian citizens who had been in the UAE via Omani territory. #RussiaOman