Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the ceremony for the commemorative cancellation of a postage stamp dedicated to Alexander Gorchakov’s 225th birthday

On July 20, the ceremony for the commemorative cancellation of a postage stamp dedicated to Alexander Gorchakov’s 225th birthday took place in the Russian Foreign Ministry Mansion. The postage stamp was issued by Russian Post as a continuation of the History of Russian Diplomacy series.

In his address at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Chancellor Alexander Gorchakov made an invaluable contribution to protecting Russia’s interests on the global stage. He became the head of the Foreign Ministry in 1856, at a difficult turning point for Russia. In many ways, his efforts, which emphasised political and diplomatic means, succeeded in strengthening Russia’s international prestige. Alexander Gorchakov famously said: “Russia is concentrating,” which meant gathering strength after the Crimean War, waiting, and then entering the international arena as an influential player.

By 1870, Russia had achieved its goal: to end the restrictive terms of the 1856 Treaty of Paris that made the Black Sea neutral territory. Poet Fyodor Tyutchev wrote famous lines about this, addressed to Gorchakov: “Yes, you kept your word! Without moving a gun, or a ruble/ The native Russian land again came into its own.”

The name of Alexander Gorchakov, a true patriot and professional dedicated to his work, is forever inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Fatherland. He remains an example of selfless service to the Fatherland today.

The top managers of Russian Post and JSC Marka, as well as employees of the Russian Foreign Ministry took part in the cancellation ceremony.

During the ceremony, Artyom Adibekov, General Director of Marka, was awarded the Foreign Ministry’s badge For Cooperation.