Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The Concept sets out the content, principles and basic directions of Russia's foreign policy. The framework document complements and expands upon the Russian Federation's Foreign Policy Concept, approved by the President of Russia on 28 June 2000.

The Concept is divided into five sections, the first of which contains general provisions and determines the country's main foreign policy objectives. These include ensuring the security of Russia, the creation of favourable external conditions for its modernisation, participating in global movements for establishing a just and democratic world order, relying on consensus and the rule of international law, primarily on the provisions of the UN Charter, for the resolution of problems, the formation of friendly relations with neighbouring countries and the search for harmony and overlapping interests with other states.

The second section is devoted to an analysis of Russia's foreign policy and the modern world, which is undergoing fundamental and dynamic changes that profoundly affect the interests of Russia and its citizens. It suggests, inter alia, that the hallmark of Russian foreign policy is its balanced and multifaceted nature. This is due to Russia's geopolitical position as the largest Eurasian power, its status as one of the leading nations of the world and its permanent membership on the UN Security Council.

Russia is fully aware of its responsibility for maintaining security in the world, both globally and regionally, and is ready for joint action with other nations in addressing common challenges. The framework document notes that, if its partners cannot commit to joint actions, Russia will act alone to protect its national interests but always on the basis of international law.

The third section is devoted to Russia's priorities in dealing with global problems. These include the rule of law in international relations, strengthening security in the world, economic and environmental cooperation, humanitarian cooperation and respect for human rights and freedoms worldwide. This section also defines the information challenges associated with foreign policy. It stresses that Russia will strive for its objective perception by the world and develop its own effective means of using information to influence public opinion abroad, as well as take measures to repel information threats to its sovereignty and security.

The fourth section identifies regional priorities, including the post-Soviet space, European and North American spheres and Asia. The section refers to the expansion of cooperation with the Muslim world and with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The last section defines the functions and tasks of the President of Russia, its government, the Federal Assembly (parliament), as well as the Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the regions of the Russian Federation in creating and implementing foreign policy.