On Diplomatic Workers' Day, Russian foreign minister praises diplomats as 'pillars of the state'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Diplomats have always been one of the main pillars of the state, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.

Speaking in Moscow on the occasion of Diplomatic Workers' Day, which is celebrated in Russia on Feb. 10, Lavrov paid tribute to the memory of all the Russian diplomats who contributed to the development of Russia's international relations.

"Today we remember our great predecessors. We also remember the comrades who died in the line of duty, and those who became victims of political repression. We always keep this memory, we are inspired by their service to the motherland," he said.

Lavrov also thanked the diplomats from the Commonwealth of Independent States and "friendly" countries who took part in the ceremony, saying that Moscow "values this solidarity."

"Diplomats have always been one of the main pillars of the state. It is enough to recall their role in overcoming the isolation of Soviet Russia after the 1917 revolution. ... This part of our common history should be well studied by Western countries, which are once again trying to isolate and ‘cancel’ us," he said, referring to sanctions and other measures taken after the start of the Ukraine conflict two years ago this month.

Lavrov thanked all Foreign Ministry employees for their continuing contributions and sharing experience with the younger generations.