The relations between Russia and the European Union (EU) have seriously deteriorated recently, though Moscow expects their gradual recovery, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a ceremony of accepting credentials from 17 new foreign ambassadors on Wednesday.
"The head of the European Union’s mission who is present here, probably shares the view that the Union’s relations with Russia have deteriorated seriously in recent years, much to our regret," he said.
Moscow believes this is due to the fact that the EU has abandoned its "main initial function of economic cooperation expansion, integration on the European continent," "initiating a geopolitical standoff with Russia" instead, Putin noted.
Russia expects a gradual recovery of relations with the EU, he added. "I would like to express hope that all actions inflicting damage to our relations will nevertheless remain in the past, and we will do everything to build them in a proper way for Russia and for economies of member states of this organization. We hope nevertheless that the logic of mutual cooperation will prevail over time," the president said.
Apart from diplomatic missions of separate European countries, there are missions of the whole European Union as an integration as well. In Moscow, it was opened in 1991 (working as a mission of the European Commission, the EU’s supreme executive body, until December 1, 2009).
During the Wednesday ceremony, credentials were delivered by EU Ambassador to Russia Roland Galharague, who became head of the EU’s mission in Moscow last September.
Russia appreciates Mexico’s balanced approach to international issues — Putin
Moscow values Mexico’s balanced approach to international issues and is interested in continuing to boost trade and other ties between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"We appreciate Mexico’s balanced approach to settling global issues using the principles of multilateralization, non-interference, observing the norms of international law and peaceful resolution of arguments," Putin said during a ceremony where 17 ambassadors formally presented their diplomatic credentials to the Russian president.
He noted that relations between Russia and Mexico are over 130 years old and are based on the traditions of reciprocal respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. According to the Russian president, the trade turnover of the two countries reached $4 bln last year and this is a good indicator.
"We are interested in continuing to boost trade, in implementing joint projects in energy, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. And, of course, we are open to expanding scientific, cultural and tourist exchanges," the Russian leader stressed.
The Russian head of state pointed out that Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megias, who participated in the ceremony, turned 45 today. "I sincerely congratulate him and wish him good health, prosperity and success," Putin said.
Russia to develop relations with Honduras — Putin
Russia considers Honduras an important partner in the Central America and aims to further strengthen bilateral relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a ceremony of accepting credentials from 17 new foreign ambassadors.
"Honduras is an important partner of Russia in the Central America. We will continue to develop political dialogue, expand trade and economic ties, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges," Putin said.
"We have supported the initiative of the Honduran side to conclude an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual recognition of higher education diplomas, which will undoubtedly stimulate educational exchanges," the Russian head of state added.
Situation in the world complicated, many controversies hinder cooperation — Putin
Controversies that have accumulated between countries, hinder productive cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the ceremony of accepting foreign envoys’ letters of credence Wednesday.
"The situation in the world right now is complicated; a lot of controversies have accumulated that sometimes feel irreconcilable and hinder normal, productive cooperation between states. But still, we would like to hope that the work of your embassies will contribute to development of cooperation between our countries," the head of state said.
Addressing the envoys, Putin underscored: "Rest assured that all your initiatives and proposals that follow this course will be met with support both from Russian authorities and our business and public circles."
Putin welcomed the envoys in the Kremlin.
"You were tasked with an honorable and at the same time important mission to represent your states in Russia. We expect that you will be actively involved in resolution of all kind of issues involving political dialogue, trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, communication between people," the President concluded.
Putin starts ceremony to accept diplomatic credentials from new ambassadors
Russian President Vladimir Putin has started the ceremony of accepting diplomatic credentials from 17 new foreign ambassadors at the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Some of the ambassadors represent the countries and territories that are unfriendly to Russia. It’s for example, US Ambassador Lynne Tracy. She was approved for this post in December 2022 and became the first woman to head the US diplomatic mission in Russia.
The ceremony is also attended by diplomats Jacob Henningsen of Denmark and Robert Kvile of Norway and Roland Galharague of the EU.
The ambassadors of Abkhazia, Brunei, the Republic of Guinea, Honduras, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Cambodia, Mexico, Oman, Paraguay, North Macedonia, Syria and Equatorial Guinea will also be in attendance. Putin will also accept credentials from the diplomats of three Arab countries - Iraq, Oman and Syria - and the ambassador of Abkhazia.
Putin is expected to deliver an extensive speech on foreign policy at the start of the event.
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