I am delighted to welcome the participants of a conference of Honorary Consuls of Russia in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, a signal event that is being held in this format for the first time.

The institution of honorary consuls is a widespread practice used all around the world to promote closer understanding as well as cooperation among states. Russia has successfully used this practice to appoint its honorary consuls in many parts of the world to boost trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations and other mutually beneficial ties. We appreciate it that our “team” in the German-speaking countries includes outstanding members of the European business community who have considerable human and professional experience and are respected in both government agencies and professional circles.

We hope that your active and multifaceted contribution will continue to help us promote a positive agenda and beneficial bilateral projects, as well as broad ties between the regions and public in our countries, and will also reinforce consular support to all these efforts. I am confident that this gathering taking place on Lake Constance and this opportunity to exchange opinions with your colleagues will be of benefit to your practical work towards strengthening ties between Russia and European countries.

I would like to wish all of you every success during your discussions and new constructive initiatives.

Sergey Lavrov

Moscow, June 14,2019