Russia to defend its global interests through dialogue: foreign minister Lavrov

Russia plans to defend its national interests in the world through dialogue, rather than confrontation," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told an official meeting at the Far Eastern State University devoted to the fifteenth anniversary of establishing the Russian Federation's commission for UNESCO affairs.

"Apart from positive aspects, globalization has its drawbacks, such as terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and organized crime. Not everyone in the world is happy about the way Russia develops. Apart from constructive criticism, we face ill-wishers, who would like to once again view Russia as an adversary or undesirable rival. Russia wants to overcome this perception through dialogue, rather than confrontation. We intend to defend our national interests with the help of dialogue," Lavrov said.

According to Lavrov, even the most powerful state cannot independently ensure reliable security and sustainable development in the modern inter-dependent world.

"In the obtaining situation, UNESCO and the sponsors of science, culture and education projects are becoming an effective instrument of humanitarian cooperation and integration," the Russian Foreign Minister noted.

Lavrov also visited the construction site of a rehabilitation center for children with oncological-hematological diseases.

"Many foreign-policy measures aim to ensure the well-being of future generations and that of our children. We are trying to pool the international community's efforts in countering global challenges and threats for their sake. We are also laying the foundations of a new, more stable, equitable and safe system of international relations for the sake of our children," Lavrov said.

In his words, the Russian Foreign Ministry renders practical support to the Children of Russia charitable foundation that implements humanitarian programs in the Far East.

Natalia Owen, who serves as Russia's honorary consul on the Hawaii islands, is raising money for the construction of this rehabilitation center.

On June 2 Russian, Chinese and Indian Foreign Ministers held their informal tripartite talks in Vladivostok.

On June 3 Lavrov will attend a session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Council of Foreign Ministers in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.