Russian Consulate in Cape Town

⚡️ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sstatement and answers to questions at the Government Hour hearings during a plenary session of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (February 11, 2026): Key takeaways: • The world is undergoing a long-term transition to a multipolar order, marked by growing competition between the Western minority and the World Majority. • Western countries continue to pursue neo-colonial policies, double standards, and attempts to preserve dominance, including through pressure, destabilisation, and military actions. • Russia views current global upheavals as part of a profound and lasting shift in international relations, not a temporary phase. • Strategic stability is deteriorating due to Western actions, while Russia maintains responsible conduct and observes arms control limits as long as the US does the same. • The Arctic should remain a zone of peace and cooperation; Russia will respond if military threats against it emerge there. • Russia rejects Western double standards on self-determination, defending the choices of #Crimea, #Donbass, and #Novorossiya. ❗️A sustainable settlement in Ukraine is impossible without addressing root causes; understandings reached with the US in 2025 remain valid. • Russia continues negotiations to ensure its security, protect Russian-speaking populations, and eliminate threats from the Kiev regime and its external sponsors. • The comprehensive strategic partnership with #China is a stabilising factor in global affairs and a cornerstone of regional security. • Strategic partnerships with #Belarus, the #DPRK, #Iran, the #CIS and the #CSTO members strengthen regional stability and Russia’s security. • Russia is deepening ties across #Eurasia, including with India, Türkiye, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and regional organisations such as the #EAEU, #SCO, and #ASEAN. • The #Russia-#Africa partnership is expanding, with preparations underway for the Third Russia-Africa Summit. • #BRICS is emerging as a key platform for the World Majority, promoting cooperation free from sanctions and Western restrictions. • Russia supports #GlobalSouth efforts against modern forms of colonialism and unilateral coercive measures, including through new UN international days. READ IN FULL

📺 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sgreetings and video message on Diplomats’ Day (February 10, 2026) 💬 Friends, Today marks Diplomats’ Day, our professional holiday. I would like to use this occasion to wish a happy holiday to all Russian diplomats who are working at the Central Office and territorial offices, and diplomats fulfilling their duty abroad. The history of Russian diplomacy spans many centuries and follows every stage of Russia becoming stronger as a state. Times change, but our spiritual and moral values — sincere, dedicated, and selfless devotion to the Fatherland, and firm commitment to the ideals of truth and justice — remain unshakeable. We are rightfully proud of the achievements of our outstanding predecessors. We honour the courage of the staff of the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs who, during the tumultuous years of the Great Patriotic War, took arms to defend the Motherland. Their immortal feat stands as a benchmark for Foreign Ministry personnel and staff of subordinate institutions participating in the special military operation. Other ministerial staff members are also involved and are helping the front line soldiers and their families, and supporting those affected by crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Today, as we are witnessing another turning point in history, Russian diplomacy continues to do everything within its power to ensure safe and favourable external conditions for Russia’s steady domestic development and for improving the quality of life of its people. In many ways, our consistent and balanced foreign policy course sets the trajectory of global transformations, thus facilitating the emergence of a new multipolar world order. We seek to further develop honest and equitable international cooperation based on mutual understanding, trust, and neighbourliness. Following President Putin’s initiative, we are working to establish, across the Eurasian region, architecture of equal and indivisible security and extensive practical cooperation. In this context, we attach particular importance to the conclusion and implementation of bilateral agreements, including our treaties on security guarantees with Belarus and on comprehensive strategic partnership with the DPRK and Iran. We continue to expand relations across multiple areas with the World Majority, among them countries such as China, India, and other like-minded countries, our strategic partners and allies, primarily within the #CSTO, the #EAEU, and the #CIS, as well as the #SCO and #BRICS. Countering neo-colonial practices of all kinds ranging from unilateral coercive measures to military interventions remains firmly in our focus. In this context, we reaffirm our solidarity with the peoples of Venezuela and Cuba. We are convinced that only they can determine their own future. ☝️ The country’s leadership and Russian society hold our work to high standards. We are required to demonstrate discipline and dedication, as well as a passionate and creative approach to our duties. I trust that you will continue to work honourably for the good of the Fatherland and to contribute your share to addressing large-scale foreign policy goals set by the President. On this day, we express special gratitude to former ministerial employees, who taught us the fundamentals of diplomacy by their example. Many of them, to the extent of their abilities, remain active in the close-knit diplomatic ranks. By all means, I would like to separately thank all the relatives and loved ones of our employees. Your unconditional support gives us strength and keeps us focused. It is especially important for those who carry out their diplomatic service far from the Motherland. Once again, happy Diplomats’ Day to all. I wish you excellent health, well-being, and new accomplishments for the benefit of the Fatherland. #DiplomatsDay

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the TV BRICS international media network (Moscow, February 9, 2026) Read in full Key talking points • The global arena is undergoing a transformation that began some time ago with the objective transition toward a multipolar world order. This is neither the bipolarity of the Soviet-American era with the Warsaw Pact and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, nor the unipolarity that emerged after the Soviet Union’s collapse. <...> Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. • It is equally important that we develop action plans tailored for each partner country covering trade and economic cooperation, investment, scientific collaboration, and coordinated activity on the international stage, including at the United Nations and other organisations, based on agreements reached between presidents and prime ministers. Particular attention is devoted to #CIS, #EAEU, #CSTO, and the post-Soviet space at large. This day-to-day work relies on long-term planning and delivers tangible mutual benefits to both Russia and its partners. • Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. The world is being reshaped through competition. The West is reluctant to relinquish its formerly dominant positions. • Safeguarding security demands sustained action to ensure that the Nazi state established on our borders in Ukraine – and supported by the West as a vehicle for renewed confrontation – cannot continue to exist in its present form. Nazi foundations must be eliminated. We will ensure, and I have no doubt about it, our own security interests, by preventing the deployment on Ukrainian territory of any weapons threatening us, and, second, by guaranteeing reliable and full protection for the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking people, who have been living in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya for centuries, and whom the Kiev regime that came to power after a coup declared subhuman “species” and “terrorists” and unleashed a civil war against. • Russia chaired#BRICS in 2024. At that time, a summit was held in Kazan, and a number of our initiatives were put into action: alternative payment platforms, payment mechanisms in national currencies, the creation of reinsurance opportunities for trade within BRICS and between the association and its partners, the creation of a grain exchange, and a new investment platform. All this is not to spite anyone, especially the United States. This is due to the fact that the United States seeks to bring all processes in the areas I mentioned under its strict control and demands unilateral concessions. Without giving up contacts with them, to the extent that they are willing to engage on a mutually beneficial basis, we are interested, together with our BRICS partners, in creating an architecture that will not be subject to the illegal actions of one or another player from the Western flank. • The Greater Eurasian Partnership was bound to appear on the agenda. Many years ago, at the 2015 Russia – #ASEAN Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested this term which is based on an objective trend of Eurasia becoming the biggest, richest and fastest-growing continent, especially its Pacific part. It is the most heavily-populated continent which, importantly, has seen several great civilisations emerge and continue to exist – the Chinese, Indian, Arab, Persian and Russian civilisations. ☝️ It is for a reason that our initiative on building a common Eurasian security architecture, set forward by President Putin in 2024, is gaining momentum. It is increasingly attracting interest.

🎙Following the EAEU summit, President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists #EAEU As for the outcomes of today’s EAEU summit, we are satisfied with the results and have drawn certain conclusions. The President of Belarus has already noted that our development strategy, which was designed to run until this year, is nearing completion. We are considering how to structure our joint efforts moving forward. However, overall, the results of our work cannot but satisfy us. They satisfy all of us. Why? Because the key aggregate indicator of economic performance is the growth rate. In the EAEU, it exceeds the global average. As is known, global growth stands at 3.3 percent. The EAEU’s growth is over 4 percent – significantly higher. In some countries, it is substantially greater, reaching 5 percent or even approaching 6 percent, in my view. This is, among other things, a direct result of our joint efforts, as the very purpose of our work is to eliminate trade and other economic barriers to cooperation. Without exaggeration, this multiplies the potential for economic growth. #Ukraine Regarding the memorandums [Russian and Ukrainian], as expected, there were no surprises. I will not tell you anything surprising, either. These are two absolutely opposing memorandums, but that is precisely why talks are set up and held – to find ways to bring positions closer. The fact that they were diametrically opposed does not seem surprising to me, either. I would not like to go into details, as I believe it would be counterproductive – even harmful – to get ahead of the talks. With regard to what has been achieved so far following the talks, I think you can see it for yourself. Today, if I am not mistaken, another exchange took place… or was it yesterday? Today, right? And this is important. The humanitarian aspect matters because, as diplomats say, it creates conditions for substantive discussions on core issues. We agreed that after completing these exchanges and the humanitarian operation which we proposed – specifically, the transfer of the servicemen’s bodies – we would press ahead with more contacts. We have already handed over more than 6,000 bodies and are ready to transfer nearly 3,000 more, but it is now up to the Ukrainian side to agree to accept the remains of their fallen soldiers. We agreed that after this phase is completed, we would hold the third round of talks. We are ready for it overall. The venue and the time need to be agreed upon. I expect President Erdogan to keep unchanged his supportive stance with regard to this process. We are very grateful to him for that. We stand ready to hold this meeting in Istanbul. As for the exact timeframe, the heads of the negotiating teams from both sides – who remain in constant, direct contact and regularly get on the phone with each other (which, I believe, is a good sign) – are discussing the date for the next meeting. The agenda? In my opinion, the discussion should focus on the memoranda from both sides. #EU#NATO We are planning to cut the defence expenses next year and the year after, as well during the next three years. The Defence Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development have yet to reach the final agreement, still, in general, everybody is thinking along these lines. And Europe is thinking about raising its defence expenses. So, who is getting ready for any aggressive actions, us or them? Yes, we do want to complete the special military operation with the result we need. Certainly. This is what we take into account when planning our defence expenses, not aggressive aspirations against Europe and NATO countries. And we want to decrease the expenses, while they want to increase them. 📄Read in full

📄Vladimir Putinsent a message of greetings to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to congratulate them on the Day of the Eurasian Economic Union(May 29, 2025). ✍️Vladimir Putin: Please accept my heartfelt greetings on the Day of the Eurasian Economic Union. Integration processes within #EAEU have gathered substantial momentum and have been quite fruitful. We created a common market, which provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour. There is an ongoing effort to harmonise our national regulations in key sectors, while we succeed in undertaking joint economic and infrastructure projects. I am certain that we will keep doing everything to step up our constructive multi-faceted cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and to ensure well-being and stability across the Eurasian space. I wish you good health and success, and happiness and prosperity to your fellow citizens.

🇷🇺🇦🇲🇧🇾🇰🇿🇰🇬 Happy EAEU Day! 📅 Since the signing of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union on May 29, 2014, the Union has consistently kept pace with the times, building integration for the benefit of the people and businesses of all member states. 🤝 This progress would not have been possible without the close cooperation of all EAEU countries and the work of the Eurasian Economic Commission. 📊 As a result, from 2015 to 2024, the Union’s total GDP grew by 17.8%, industrial output increased by nearly 30%, and agricultural production rose by 25.5%. Both intra-union trade and trade with external partners more than doubled over this period. ❗A major factor behind this success has been the EAEU’s extensive network of international partnerships, including free trade agreements with 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇷🇸 Serbia, and 🇮🇷 Iran, as well as a trade agreement with 🇨🇳 China. 🎊 We warmly congratulate the citizens of the Union on EAEU Day, express our gratitude to our partners, and look forward with confidence to the continued development of Eurasian integration! #EAEU #EAEUDay

🎙 FM Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the reception on Africa Day (Moscow, May 26, 2025) 💬 Sergey Lavrov: Each year in May, we traditionally convene at the Foreign Ministry Mansion to mark Africa Day — a commemoration that holds profound significance not only for Africans but for all humanity. This date symbolises the surmounting of a colonial past and embodies the unwavering resolve of African peoples in their quest for freedom and justice. <...> This year is marked by the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and the Second World War, as well as the 65th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This is emphasised in the message from President of Russia Vladimir Putin. These epoch-making events are closely interconnected. On May 10, 1945, in a congratulatory telegram to the head of the Soviet government, Joseph Stalin, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia remarked: “This victory, bringing us the end of the most savage tyranny the world has ever known, has ushered in the threshold of an era of greater happiness and justice for all peoples threatened with annihilation.” ☝️We remember and honour the hundreds of thousands of Africans who fought in the armies of the anti-Hitler coalition, hastening Victory. In turn, the defeat of Nazism galvanised the national liberation movement, accelerating the collapse of the colonial system. Our nation made an immense contribution to the decolonisation process, grounded in one of the UN Charter’s key principles — the right of nations to self-determination. For many years, we selflessly supported Africans in their struggle for freedom and independence, consistently aiding the formation of young states and their comprehensive socio-economic development. Today, Russia continues to foster the strengthening of Africa’s position as a unique and influential centre of global development. In particular, we support African aspirations to secure a permanent ‘seat’ within the UN Security Council. We will further assist interested African nations in enhancing their defence capabilities, countering terrorism, and ensuring food and energy security. In recent years, the African continent, asserting itself as one of the pillars of a sustainable multipolar world order, has achieved impressive results. Such progress has largely been made possible by the collective will of Africans to address shared challenges and pursue common goals. We welcome the dynamic development of integration processes, which strengthen solidarity across the continent and amplifyitsvoice. The African Union plays a pivotal role in this regard. <...> 🤝Russia remains a reliable and steadfast partner to African nations in strengthening their sovereignty, the foremost threat to which remains persistent neocolonial practices. <...> One of the most dynamic areas of Russian-African cooperation remains education. Today, more than 32,000 African students are enrolled in our universities. Our collaboration with the African Union and other multilateral structures on the continent is expanding actively. We see significant potential in fostering their ties with Eurasian integration bodies the #EAEU, #CSTO, and #SCO. Naturally, we wholeheartedly support the development of cooperative relations between the African Union and #BRICS. Our commitment to deepening a multifaceted strategic partnership with Africa is reflected in the establishment of a new structural unit within the Russian Foreign Ministry — the Department of Partnership with Africa. On the agenda is the preparation of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, to be held this year in an African country. There is no doubt that its outcomes will contribute to the substantive groundwork for the third Russia-Africa Summit, planned for 2026 — also on the African continent. <...> I would like to once again extend my congratulations on this occasion and wish the peoples of Africa and all those present peace, health, and prosperity. Read in full #RussiaAfrica

🎙Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions following the G20 Ministerial Council meeting(Johannesburg, February 21, 2025) Read in full 💬 The main focus of the deliberations among the Foreign Ministers was the crucial goal of amplifying the voices of developing nations in global decision-making. The discussions were substantial, and we observed tangible progress in this regard. Since last year, the African Union has attained full membership within the G20. The League of Arab States (#LAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (#CELAC) are interested in securing equivalent status. Such ambitions are commendable. We are confident that, in due course, the #EAEU may also rightfully aspire to similar standing <…> We articulated our perspective on international challenges and their resolution during a period when multipolar realities are increasingly acknowledged. The advent of multipolarity is self-evident to us and to the #BRICS nations. Statistical evidence underscores this trend. 📈 The combined gross domestic product of BRICS states has surpassed that of the G7 countries. BRICS accounts for 37 percent of global GDP, compared to the G7’s 29 percent. This disparity heightens the urgency of reforming global economic institutions to reflect the genuine weight of the Global South and the World Majority within the world economy, alongside fostering non-discriminatory economic ties. These matters were actively deliberated. Russia stands ready to vigorously facilitate further progress in this domain, though numerous challenges persist <…> We urged our Western counterparts to respect universally recognised rules of international law. Emphasis was placed on revitalising the United Nations’ role as a platform for coordinating state actions and forging a fair balance of interests. The role played by BRICS certainly attracts everyone’s attention at the global level <…> Speaking about entities that play a certain role in international economic relations, the G20 in general retains the role of a dialogue platform between the old and new centres of power. We spoke in favour of preserving the economic profile of this association <…> South Africa, which has led the G20 this year, completes the succession of BRICS presidencies that began in 2022, when Indonesia was at the head of the G20. In 2023 it was India, and in 2024 it was Brazil. This successive version of BRICS being at the helm of the G20 has had the positive outcomeof strengthening the position of the Global South in our forum. ❗️ All this contributes to the establishment of a fairer multipolar world order based on the sovereign equality of states, as required by the UN Charter, and on all other principles of the Charter in their totality and interrelation. From answers to media questions: • The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, spoke at the G20 with the same array of accusations, proclaiming certain “plans” that would prevent Russia from taking its rightful place in the world. There is some tragicomic element to this. • The reaction of the “tragicomic figures” heading the Brussels bureaucracy and NATO tothe meeting in Riyadh is highly illustrative. The mere fact that representatives of two great powers sat down, engaged in discussion, and articulated their respective positions is perceived by them as a betrayal of Western interests. These individuals are not in good health. • Multipolarity is gaining ascendancy. The growth trajectories of new, formidable centres of power – economic, political, and financial – demonstrate that this multipolarity is irreversible. In this context, the G20 retains its relevance as a forum where Western participants may come to recognise the inevitability of this process and begin adapting to it.

🗓 On February 19, a ‘Government Hour’ with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the priorities of the foreign policy of the Russian Federationwas held as part of a plenary meeting of the State Duma. The Foreign Minister informed the parliamentarians about the key areas of the Russian diplomacy’s efforts in the context of the current geopolitical realities and the Ministry’s tasks to protect national interests and strengthen the country’s leading positions on the global arena. The list of issues raised at the meeting included settling the conflict around Ukraine, initiatives to create a Eurasian security architecture and combat neocolonialism, cooperation within the Union State, the #CSTO, the #EAEU, the #CIS, the #SCO, expanding multifaceted interaction with all sensible partners and, above all, with the states of the Global Majority, countering the hegemonic aspirations of the West, protecting the rights and interests of Russian citizens and compatriots abroad. Following the discussion, Sergey Lavrov highlighted the importance of further deepening the regular dialogue with elected representatives that contributes to the effective implementation of the unified foreign policy of the Russian Federation, which enjoys consensus support.

🇿🇦 This year’s opening meeting of the #G20 Foreign Ministers as part of the debut presidency of South Africa – a friendly country whose stance is in accord with #Russia’s – will take place in Johannesburg on February 20-21, a landmark event not only for Pretoria, but also for the entire African continent, which will host G20 events for the first time. 🇷🇺 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to lead the Russian delegation. It is expected that most of the members of this major economic forum, as well as a wide range of invited states and international organisations, will be represented at a similar level. ☝️ The meeting will open with an address by President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, which will set the general tone for discussing global challenges and threats. The discussion will particularly focus on the international situation, which is alarmingly deteriorating under the impact of the confrontational policy by the neoliberal Western elites. The participants will consider the current integrity and effective functioning of the global economic system. The priorities stated by the South African presidency are designed to encourage economic growth, reduce inequality and imbalances, and ensure equitable access to financing for countries in the Global South. 🤝 The South African presidency theme highlighting “solidarity, equality and sustainability” will provide solid framework for the consultations, essentially continuing in the same vein as its predecessors in 2022-2024 – Indonesia, India and Brazil, all of them Global Majority countries. In particular, this refers to the G20’s significant contribution during this period to strengthening the foundations of the multipolar world and making global economic institutions more democratic in the interests of new non-Western centres of influence, primarily the expanded #BRICS group. ❗️The upcoming anniversaries, such as the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II and the foundation of the #UN, as well as the 65th anniversary of the Russia-sponsored Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples adopted by the UN General Assembly to ensure Africa’s independence, should be seen as key benchmarks for the exchange of views. 👉 In his remarks, the Minister will provide a detailed analysis of the international situation underscoring the root causes of the current crisis, and outline specific steps to overcome the destructive phenomena. The Russian side will reaffirm its stance in favour of preserving the United Nations’ central role in global affairs. We will speak in support of strict compliance with the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection. We will insist that there is no alternative to respectful interstate cooperation and ensuring equal and indivisible security for all. We will call for keeping the global economy open, rejecting trade wars, illegitimate sanctions and other unfair competition practices. We will cite examples of supranational associations that practice honest and productive cooperation without diktat or blackmail, such as the #EAEU, the #SCO and #BRICS. We will share the details of implementing the Russia-sponsored Greater Eurasian Partnership initiative. The Minister is expected to meet with several counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting. #G20SouthAfrica#BetterAfricaBetterWorld#solidarity#equality#sustainability

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a presentation of the Department for Partnership with Africa(Moscow, February 4, 2025) 💬Sergey Lavrov: The establishment of this department underscores the significance that Russia’s leadership places on advancing the African aspect of our foreign policy. This priority is enshrined in the Foreign Policy Concept approved by President Putin in March 2023 and has become increasingly prominent in our practical policies in the international arena. Our African friends have always found a reliable and understanding friend and partner in Russia. <...> Russia selflessly supported Africans in their heroic struggle against colonial powers for freedom and independence, and assisted in developing young states, their economies, strengthening their defence capabilities, training national specialists, and resolving daunting social challenges. <...> Africans are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics and the economy, and widely participate in addressing international issues. The collective voice of African countries in world affairs is growing louderand clearer. Russia consistently advocates for strengthening Africa’s position in the multipolar world that is objectively taking shape before our eyes. This world must be consistently based on the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interrelation. <...> 🤝 We support the push of our African friends to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and we respect the decisions taken by Africans in this regard. I’m referring to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We welcome the successful development of strong integration entities in Africa. We support our friends’ desire to determine their own future, as they remain guided by the African solutions to African problems principle. Russia-Africa cooperation, which President Vladimir Putin termed strategic in his article “Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future,” is reaching new qualitative heights. The significance of the first and second Russia-Africa Summits, alongside last November’s inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, cannot be overstated. In conjunction with our African partners, we are implementing agreed measures under the Action Plan adopted in St Petersburg in summer 2023. 📈 Progress is tangible, yet more remains to be done. Even though growing ($25 billion in 2024), our trade and economic cooperation still underperforms relative to its potential. Other African partners post markedly higher figures – a spur to identifying new constructive projects that solidify the material foundations of our strategic partnership. Opportunities abound, particularly in energy, logistics and transport corridors, creation of reliable settlement systems in high-tech domains (including outer space exploration, digital technologies, and nuclear energy), and beyond. We stand ready to collaborate bilaterally and through our like-minded partners and friends in the #EAEU, the #CIS, and the #SCO. Africa’s positions within #BRICS continue to strengthen – a trajectory set to expand further. <...> Russia will continue to support African nations in countering terrorism, including through the establishment of pertinent agencies, ensuring food security, combatting epidemics, and training highly skilled personnel. We are convinced that Africa is our natural ally in our joint endeavours to uphold the UN Charter’s principles of justice and equality. Read in full #RussiaAfrica

As it is known, large-scale illegitimate restrictive measures have been introduced against the Russian Federation and Belarus by a number of unfriendly countries. The joint efforts help the Union to withstand unprecedented pressure. Pressure is still being put on our allies in order to discredit and weaken the #EAEU. Unlike the "collective West", Russia does not require its partners to "be friends with us against someone." At the same time, the de-dollarization of the economies of the Union member states is one of our priority. The share of overall payments in national currencies in mutual settlements between the #EAEU countries has already reached 75%. There is also a supranational regulatory body, the Eurasian Economic Commission (#EEC), that operates on a permanent basis within the EAEU. 🗳️Decision-making in the bodies of the Union that include Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC), Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EMC), Eurasian Economic Commission Council is possible only by consensus. Each country has one vote, regardless of its economic potential, population or size of membership fees to the Union budget. Thus, the #EAEU is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all its participants. The existing close cooperation serves as a powerful source for economic development and, at the same time, contributes to the preservation of the national identity and state sovereignty of each member state. 📈Statistics data proves that participation in the Union brings substantial benefits to each member state. The growth of the combined GDP of all member states for the period from 2016 to 2022 was 9.6%. Almost 0.7% (more than 10 billion USD) is the contribution of Eurasian integration, which is a tangible and significant integration effect. All the member states recognize a positive effect resulting from the work of the Union. The results of several years of the Union's functioning prove that this integration project is successfully developing and brings concrete benefits to the economies, business communities and citizens of the countries involved. It is of great importance that international cooperation within the #EAEU is built on the basis of equality and mutual respect. #RussiaMFA#EAEU