Sergey Lavrov’s reply to a Moskovsky Komsomolets question on the birthday of former Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov

Question: Igor Ivanov is celebrating his 70th birthday on September 23. What can you tell us about him as a man and a professional?

Sergey Lavrov: I’ve known Igor Ivanov for decades and have had many opportunities to see his professional and personal qualities for myself.

Mr Ivanov’s life has been inseparably connected with foreign policy. When he took over from Yevgeny Primakov as Foreign Minister, he used the rich intellectual heritage of his famous predecessor to help strengthen Russia’s foreign policy sovereignty, prestige and influence on the international stage. He helped maintain the best traditions of Russian diplomacy and diplomatic personnel during the watershed years.

We are happy that Mr Ivanov has not left the diplomatic stage completely. As Russian International Affairs Council President, he cooperates with the Foreign Ministry and promotes new solutions to current international issues in the community of political analysts and experts based on collective actions and respect for international law and the UN Charter.

I wish Mr Ivanov health, wellness and success in his work to the benefit of the country.