MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that despite pressure Moscow will pursue independent foreign policy that meets the interests of the Russian people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability.
In a congratulatory message on Russia's diplomatic workers' day, Putin stressed that in the current challenging international environment, the effective work of the Russian Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates and other representation offices is of growing importance.
"It is the guarantee that the Russian Federation, despite any pressure, will further continue pursuing an independent foreign policy which meets the vital interests of our people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability," Putin said in his telegram to diplomats.
Putin said Russia has the important tasks now of strengthening the Eurasian Economic Union and developing multi-faceted cooperation with its partners, including as part of Russia’s presidency in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.
The Russian leader stressed that at all times Russian diplomats "have asserted the national interests skillfully and insistently and have made a significant contribution to strengthening the country’s positions on the international arena."
"Our diplomats have been always distinguished by patriotism, great competence and fidelity to duty. I am sure that based on the noble traditions of the Russian diplomacy, you will continue working hard for the good of the motherland," Putin said.
On Tuesday, Russia celebrates the diplomatic workers' day, which was established in 2002 to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Foreign Ministry.