Russian Diplomacy: Treasuring Historical Heritage, Moving Forward to a Brighter Future

On 10 February, Russia celebrates the Diplomat’s Day. The very existence of this holiday in the Russian calendar highlights the high public recognition of this profession. Moreover, this day reminds us about the great responsibility we have to our state and society.

The establishment of this professional holiday is also a tribute to the veterans, who honourably defended the interests of our Motherland in complicated periods of Russian history and international relations. This holiday is an occasion to remember the past and to think about the present and future of diplomacy.

The choice of the date, 10 February, was not arbitrary; it is related to the history of Russia’s foreign service. The earliest mention of the first public foreign policy institution in our country, known as the Ambassadorial Department, falls on this day in 1549.

By the mid-16th century, new horizons and opportunities opened up for the country. Russian diplomats were frequent guests in European countries. Our nation was also accounted for in the East. Russia turned into a powerful state with an active international policy.

The new reality required a special institution within the state administration to organise the diplomatic service. To these ends, the Ambassadorial Department was established.

Throughout centuries, the Russian foreign service changed its organisational structure and name. Under Peter the Great, the Ambassadorial Department was transformed into the Collegium of Foreign Affairs. A pleiad of talented diplomats, who laid down the main principles of Russian diplomacy, grew in that period.

However, it was not until 1802 that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established by the Manifest of Tsar Alexander I.

Today, Russian foreign policy is quickly evolving and adjusting to rapid changes in political reality, the global economy and technologies, adopting the best practices of modern diplomacy.

At the same time, the national diplomatic service treasures, studies and explores our historical heritage in order to preserve the traditions and find inspiration in the record of our common achievements with other nations.

We cherish the history of cordial relations with friendly countries, such as Bangladesh. Russia remembers with gratitude and pride our joint accomplishments and values our relationship grounded in mutual respect, trust and constructive cooperation.

The Soviet Union actively supported decolonisation and the creation of new independent states in Africa and Asia.

In these regards, Moscow was among the first to recognise Bangladesh and establish diplomatic relations with the new sovereign republic in 1972 and provided significant assistance to revitalise its economy.

In 1972-1974, the Special Task Force of the Pacific Fleet of the Soviet Navy was entrusted with a task of utmost importance: to remove mines and sunken ships from Bangladesh’s major seaport in Chittagong in order to make it operational.

One of the sailors, Yuri Redkin, lost his life in the line of duty and was buried on the premises of the Bangladesh Military Navy Academy. We are sincerely grateful to the Academy for taking care of the place of his burial, commonly known as Redkin Point.

Over the decades, this partnership has expanded steadily across key sectors such as agriculture and food supply, energy and power, defence and industrial cooperation, and education and culture.

For instance, Russia is the top supplier of specific commodities such as agricultural goods and fertilisers. Moreover, our countries enjoy dynamic cultural and educational exchange through the Russian House, which was one of the first foreign cultural centres to open its doors in Dhaka.

In the political sphere, our nations have no unsettled disputes or contradictions. Our countries exchange diplomatic support over mutually important initiatives within the UN and interact on such multilateral platforms as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to name just a few.

Russia aspires to continue the traditions of dynamic partnership and positive engagement with the next government that comes to power as the result of the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Guided by the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, our countries jointly advocate for establishing a fair multipolar world order, ensuring global and regional security.

With the current global turbulence and unprecedented geopolitical challenges, diplomacy plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security. Russia always prioritises diplomatic solutions to any conflicts over military escalation.

On this festive day, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to fellow Russian diplomats, as well as to our foreign colleagues. Let our joint endeavours be successful!