Basis of international relations in the world is being transformed

The Russian foreign ministry has now an important and difficult task of efficiently fulfilling the recently reached agreements, said foreign minister Igor Ivanov, when opening the session of Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives on Friday. The requirements to the Russian diplomatic service have now substantially increased, he added.

The dynamics of the world processes is acquiring "tempos never seen before", Ivanov recalled. Thus, "the very basis of the modern international relations" is undergoing deepest transformations, he believes. "The direction these processes may take will directly influence the answer to the question of how favourable external conditions our country will have to continue domestic reforms", he pointed out. It is necessary to further strengthen Russia's stand on the international arena, the minister believes.

In this context "the role and importance of the foreign policy for securing Russia's national interests" is increasing, Ivanov said. Thus, "the extremely high tempos of our international activities are absolutely natural," he pointed out. The foreign policy concept formulated two years ago has begun contributing to the country's security, Ivanov went on. This is connected with creating the necessary conditions for Russia's social-economic, cultural and spiritual recovery, he explained. "In the long run it is the central goal we are to achieve in our international activities," the minister concluded.