On the eve of Diplomatic Worker’s Day, celebrated in Russia on February 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave an exclusive interview to the international network TV BRICS. In the conversation, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry summarized the results of its work, outlined the challenges against the backdrop of a transformation in the world order, and spoke in detail about the priorities for developing cooperation within the BRICS framework and Eurasian integration.<\/p>\n
When asked about the main results of the ministry’s work, Lavrov emphasized that the assessment of its activities is given by President Vladimir Putin, who determines the foreign policy course. The main work is based on the implementation of the Foreign Policy Concept, approved in March 2023, and specific plans with partners in trade, economic, investment, and scientific spheres.<\/p>\n
“Everything we do is about ensuring the most favorable external conditions for the country’s internal development and the growth of citizens’ prosperity,” stated the minister. He noted that this task has become significantly more complex amid the “global war unleashed against Russia” and the West’s attempts to isolate the country.<\/p>\n
Lavrov named the\u00a0objective transition to a multipolar world<\/strong>\u00a0as the key context of modern diplomacy, where new centers of power, such as China, India, and Brazil, are gaining weight, while the West is trying to preserve its slipping hegemony through dishonest methods: sanctions, confiscations, and restricting partners’ cooperation with Russia.<\/p>\n The minister paid special attention to security issues, naming as the most important tasks “preventing the preservation of a Nazi state on our borders” and ensuring the protection of the rights of the Russian-speaking population.<\/p>\n Answering a question about BRICS’ role, Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the association is receiving increasing attention. He stated that since the West is blocking the reform of outdated institutions like the IMF and WTO, the creation of new structures to serve international economic ties becomes inevitable.<\/p>\n “We are not advocating for the IMF or WTO to cease to exist. We are seeking their reform so that the voices of BRICS countries correspond to their real weight,” Lavrov explained.<\/p>\n He spoke in detail about the initiatives launched during Russia’s chairmanship in 2024 in Kazan:\u00a0alternative payment platforms, settlements in national currencies, the creation of a ‘grain exchange’ and a new investment platform<\/strong>. These steps are not directed against anyone but are aimed at protecting cooperation from unilateral sanctions.<\/p>\n The minister also criticized US policy, which, despite diplomatic contacts, continues to tighten the sanctions regime, forcing Russia and its partners to seek “protected paths” for joint projects.<\/p>\n Discussing integration projects, Sergey Lavrov expressed confidence that the\u00a0Greater Eurasian Partnership<\/strong>\u00a0is an objective initiative responding to modern trends. He recalled that the term was introduced by President Putin back in 2015.<\/p>\n “Eurasia is the largest, richest, and fastest-growing continent, the cradle of great civilizations. Creating a common security architecture here is logical and necessary,” the minister stated.<\/p>\n He noted that the process of forming the partnership is already underway through the interaction of structures such as\u00a0the EAEU, SCO, and ASEAN<\/strong>, taking into account the Chinese “Belt and Road” initiative. Coordination between them allows avoiding duplication and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the\u00a0International North\u2013South Transport Corridor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Commenting on the transition of the BRICS chairmanship to India, Lavrov noted the continuity of priorities. He highlighted the key areas on which New Delhi is focusing:<\/p>\n The fight against terrorism<\/strong>, including the joint promotion of a Global Convention in the UN.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Food and energy security<\/strong>, especially in the context of US administration actions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Security of information and communication technologies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Regulation of artificial intelligence<\/strong>, including in the military sphere, while preserving state sovereignty.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n The minister confirmed Russia’s participation in the summit on artificial intelligence to be held in India in February, emphasizing the importance of forming international norms in this area.<\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n Sergey Lavrov’s interview clearly outlined the vector of Russian diplomacy: strengthening multipolarity through deepening cooperation with non-Western centers of power, creating sanctions-resistant financial and economic mechanisms within BRICS, and promoting integration projects in the Eurasian space as the basis for a future security architecture.<\/p>\nPart 2: BRICS as an Alternative in the Era of Sanctions<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Part 3: Greater Eurasian Partnership \u2014 A Project of the Future<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Part 4: Priorities of India’s BRICS Chairmanship<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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