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Lavrov hopes for constructive dialogue with new UN high commissioner for human rights

MOSCOW, August 14. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sent a letter to new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, in which he expressed hope for constructive dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The ministry reiterated that on August 10 the UN General Assembly unanimously approved of the decision made by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint Bachelet as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She will assume office on September 1 for a four-year term. "Lavrov sent a letter to Bachelet, in which he congratulated her on the appointment, noting her high professional skills, as well as a vast experience and personal contribution to the development of international cooperation, including the promotion and protection of human rights," the ministry reported.

The Russian top diplomat also expressed hope that in her new position Bachelet "will pay special attention to the creation of an atmosphere of constructive mutually respectful cooperation and dialogue between the states in the UN human rights structures and sharing the best practices of the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as providing technical support to interested parties in overcoming challenges and problems in this area faced by them."

"The Russian side is confident that human rights are aimed at bringing various states and groups of states together, as well as consolidating the atmosphere of confidence and mutual respect in international relations," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed. "Russia is open for cooperation in the whole range of human rights issues and is ready to develop further cooperation with the UN high commissioner for human rights and the Office which she heads.".