Russian Diplomat’s Day
ON February 10, Russia celebrates Diplomat’s Day. This Day does not exist in all countries of the world, but in Russia it was approved in October 2002 by decree of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, and since 2003 it has been celebrated annually both in our country and in numerous diplomatic missions abroad.
By the way, such representative offices of the Russian Foreign Ministry are located in more than 170 countries around the world and in almost every African state.
Given the special importance for Russia to have good and developed relations with other countries, the aspect of diplomatic interaction is given priority. The total number of employees involved in diplomatic work in the Russian Foreign Ministry, its representative offices in the regions and abroad is about ten thousand people.
Russian diplomacy traditionally plays a key role in the implementation of our country’s foreign policy, firmly defends Russia’s national interests, and makes a significant contribution to ensuring stability and security in the world.
Patriotism, high professionalism and intellectual potential of our diplomats help strengthen the international authority and influence of Russia and create favourable conditions for further socio-economic growth.
Russian diplomats have always stood and will stand to defend the interests of their country. Moreover, in addition to knowledge in politics, they have a broad outlook in such areas as philosophy, economics, jurisprudence, etc.
The need for close diplomatic cooperation makes it possible to significantly better strengthen mutually beneficial relations between countries, exchange views on various regional and international issues, which helps to find common positions that help promote a broad aspect of all interstate relations.
A diplomatic worker is not only an intermediary between the official authorities of countries, but also carries cultural and historical traditions, which allows him to better represent his country in the destination state, as well as study the customs and socio-cultural atmosphere of the countries where he works.
Many Russian diplomats made a huge contribution to the liberation of Africa from colonial dependence, helping young African states in the 60s of the last century to politically and economically strengthen their statehood.
Not only was the political front the main one for Russian diplomats. During the Second World War, many of them took part in the liberation of European countries from the brown plague - fascism.
Even now, diplomats are at the forefront of solving many problems. Sometimes undiplomatic measures are even taken against them.
We all remember the tragic death of our colleague and Russian Ambassador to Turkey A. Karlov, who died at the hands of terrorists. Also in our hearts will remain other colleagues who gave their lives while working in the diplomatic service. This is the Russian Ambassador to Zambia A. Boldyrev, whose life was cut short at work by the Covid-19 in January 2021.
From the very formation of the Republic of Zambia on October 24, 1964, just six days later, on October 30, diplomatic relations were established between our countries.
Since that memorable date, many Russian ambassadors in Lusaka have changed, but the main vector of Russian-Zambian relations has always been friendly and characterised by close interaction with the Zambian Foreign Ministry and the country’s authorities.
As Ambassador of the Russian Federation, I intend to firmly and consistently adhere to traditionally friendly relations with Zambia, assist in its further development and prosperity, strengthen bilateral political ties, economic cooperation and humanitarian interaction with the aim of further full-scale development of Russian-Zambian relations for the benefit of our countries and peoples. The author is the Russian Ambassador to Zambia.