ST. PETERSBURG, June 9. /TASS/. The West, which does not want to lose its dominant position throughout the globe, is fiercely opposing the formation of a multipolar, democratic world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose welcome address was read out by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, said at the plenary session of the 20th International Likhachev Scientific Readings.
"The problem of forming a democratic, multipolar world is especially relevant today, when we are witnessing fierce resistance to the changes taking place on the part of states that do not want to lose their dominant position in the system of international relations, contrary to all legal, moral and ethical norms," the opening message said.
Lavrov pointed out that it is important to pay attention to the value and cultural factors of global processes during the readings. The minister also expressed confidence that the forum’s work would provide momentum to the development of cooperation and mutual understanding in the international sphere.
The 20th International Likhachev Scientific Readings are being held on June 9-10 at the St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. This year’s forum is devoted to global conflict and outlining a new world order. According to the organizers, this year, over 200 presentations were submitted by scholars, officials and community activists from eight countries.
The Likhachev Scientific Readings have been held since 1993 on the initiative of academician D.S. Likhachev, and with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2001. Participants from more than 50 countries have attended this event since its inception.