EMBASSY INFORMS
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have had a constructive and substantive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Relations, Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein. Our countries are linked by long-standing and strong bonds of friendship. Russia and Iraq signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations 76 years ago, and we have been active in various areas of cooperation since then, primarily in the fuel and energy and military-technical fields. Tomorrow, the Minister will have an opportunity to discuss ways to further deepen our economic cooperation in more detail with his colleague, Russian co-chair of the Russian-Iraqi intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Question: The coronavirus pandemic has added so many new elements to our lives that we can see this as the emergence of a new world order. Is the new world order still based on the priority of international law when it comes to interstate relations?
Sergey Lavrov: Indeed, the pandemic has had a major impact on all aspects of our lives, including our work and everyday life, but there are principles which Russia always tries to respect. The fact that President Vladimir Putin has received letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors at an in-person ceremony in the Kremlin, even though there were some adjustments due to security reasons, is proof of our commitment to traditions. This is not just a symbolic gesture. It is very important to respect diplomatic traditions, which are not so much matters of protocol but mutual respect, consideration for each other’s interests and a striving to balance these interests in all cases. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends,
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank all the participants in the Nuremberg Lessons international forum: politicians and government officials, researchers and experts, legal experts, representatives of the museum community and NGOs. I know that you have come from across Russia, as well as from many other countries. During the recent visit of Ukrainian President Zelensky to London the UK Government did not spare words to reiterate its full support for Ukrainian reforms and territorial integrity. New calls were made for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, the premise being that it is Russia and “Russia-backed separatists” who hamper the political process. Yet the reality is quite the opposite. We believe it is important to set the record straight: the Minsk Agreements and political engagements based on them are being persistently and deliberately ignored by Ukraine itself (with the connivance and, often, encouragement of its Western backers). It is an honour for me to welcome you all at this very impressive ceremony dedicated to the veterans of the Arctic Convoys. Whatever the circumstances may be around us, like the coronavirus and the due lockdown today, we should never forget the much more severe conditions that our nations had experienced in World War II. Question: Mr President, a week has passed since the signing of a most important statement by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia. How do you assess the implementation now? What is successful? What might still be a problem? Most importantly, do you think this agreement will make it possible to sever the tight knot and resolve this very long-term and sensitive issue where each side has its own truth, as you put it yourself? The procedure for issuing electronic visas has been approved by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, dated 7 November 2020 № 1793. This procedure applies for citizens of 52 states. At the moment, the UK is not included in this list. On 11th November 2020 the memorial to the Soviet pilots, who fought during World War II and took part in the joint Soviet-British secret operation ‘Albemarle’, has been installed in Errol, Scotland. The event also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany. Dear friends! Today, on 11th November, Remembrance Day, the memorial to the Soviet pilots has been installed in Errol, Scotland, also commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II. I would like to say a few words about that episode of the war. The Soviet Union desperately needed airplanes, and in 1943, in the heat of the bloody battles, the British Government passed over a number of twin-engine Albemarle bombers. To perform the secret task of transporting them, a group of pilots from the Moscow special air group have come to the airbase in Errol in 1943 where they joined the RAF 305 Squadron, formed to prepare Soviet aircrew. Referring to the subject of the BBC Series – White Helmets and James Le Mesurier – the Russian position is well-founded. Vast amounts of evidence on the ground as well as intelligence information which Russia has at its disposal unequivocally point to direct links between the White Helmets and terrorist organisations operating in Syria.
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