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The updated foreign policy document takes into account recent developments around the world. Mr Putin noted, in particular, the global financial crisis, the changing global balance of power, and growing tension in the Middle East and North Africa.

The policy document also stresses the need to maintain the UN’s central role and the supremacy of international law, and also addresses protection of the rights and interests of Russian citizens and Russians living abroad.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

In accordance with the Presidential Executive Order of May 7, 2012, an updated version of Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept has been drafted. All of you head agencies or bodies in one way or another concerned with foreign policy issues, and there is no need for me to go into the document’s details, since you were involved in its preparation.

Our basic foreign policy principles all remain unchanged. Above all, these are the principles of openness, predictability, pragmatism, a focus on results, and protection of our national interests – without confrontation of any kind, of course.

It is in Russia’s interests to ensure we have a favourable environment for implementing our national development objectives and resolving the social and economic tasks before us. Without question, we need to maintain the United Nations’ central role and supremacy of international law. 

We are expanding our multifaceted cooperation with all partners on the basis of equality and mutual respect. This too is reflected in the updated foreign policy concept. The document takes into account recent changes in the world, and this is important. 

In particular, it reflects major developments such as the global financial and economic crisis, which continues to worry us all, the changing balance of power in the world and in world affairs, the growing turbulence in the Middle East and North Africa, and the increasing significance of the cultural and civilisational dimensions in global competition today. 

The document puts the emphasis on modern forms and methods of foreign policy work, including economic diplomacy, use of ‘soft power’ methods and competent integration into the global information flows. It also pays due attention to protecting the rights and interests of our citizens and Russians living abroad. 

It is important that the various state bodies work closely together to implement the document under the Foreign Ministry’s overall coordination. Russia will continue carrying out an active and constructive policy in international affairs and its weight and influence in the world will grow.

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