MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. The diverse range and number of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign partners demonstrates that the West’s attempts to isolate Russia have utterly failed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Federation Council (upper house of parliament, or "senate").
"The policy aimed at isolating Russia has failed. It is enough just to mention the numerous instances of interaction between President Putin and his foreign colleagues," Lavrov said.
"We, as you know <...> and see in reality, are ready for such a challenge and will continue to firmly uphold our truth," he added.
Additionally, the top Russian diplomat noted that Russia’s "reliable policy course based on the principles of the UN Charter enjoys the widest support among the countries in the global majority."
"We are not adapting to concepts and schemes proposed by other countries. We are shaping our foreign policy agenda on our own, guided by our own priorities, while observing, I should emphasize, the recognized norms of international law and taking into account the interests of our partners who are ready to work with us based on mutual respect and consideration of [sovereign] interests," Lavrov stressed.