Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 10 – On 10 February officials of the Russian diplomatic service mark their professional holiday – the Diplomats’ Day. On this day Russia celebrates the long-standing history of its diplomacy, marked by rich tradition of this important endeavour, bonded by continuity of generations.
The history of our country’s diplomacy can be traced back to the early years of the Russian statehood. Since the 9th century, the Ancient Rus was developing relations with different European partners, including the Byzantine Empire, with the earliest recorded mission to Constantinople took place in 838 and a bilateral agreement concluded in 863. From the 15th century, previously the domain-led foreign policy gave way to a sovereign one. As centuries went on its nature gradually transformed, adapting to new positions acquired by Russia. What has remained unchanged is its focus on upholding the national interests and ensuring the security along the country’s borders.
Following the Civil War in Russia, exacerbated by foreign intervention, the diplomacy of the new Soviet state in 1920es directed its efforts at bringing the country out of political isolation, restoring it as a recognized, equal and integral subject of international relations. Having succeeded in that, the USSR advocated the creation of a system of collective security, and worked with the allies in the Anti-Hitler Coalition during the Second World War to break down Nazism. The Soviet Union supported the anti-colonial movement, including in the Southeast Asia, and was actively involved in the international-political discussion on the problems of inequality in the international community. Thanks to its efforts, in 1960, the United Nations adopted the landmark Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which had a tremendous impact – over 80 former colonies with a total population of 750 million gaining independence.
Unfortunately, one still can see that the balance and equality have not been restored in the world in full measure. Some states continue resorting to
the neocolonial practices, aimed to preserve their economic advantages and thus impeding the efforts to overcome the global inequality. Today, more and more countries are openly opposing such an unfair policy of that narrow group.
Russia stands for a system of international relations that would guarantee reliable security, preservation of cultural and civilizational identity and equal opportunities for the development for all states. International law, sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation with a balance of interests and mutual benefits lay within its basis. It is these principles that underpin our country’s interactions with other states, including Cambodia, assist to advance multifaceted connections between the governments, political parties and people.
Russian diplomats are as usual devoted to carrying out this policy, hence contributing to strengthening their country’s potential, as well as understanding and friendship between peoples of the globe.
Anatoly Borovik, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Cambodia
=FRESH NEWS
