Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during the ceremony to award the National Order of the Republic of Mali, Commander, Bamako, February 7, 2023

Mr Minister,

My dear friend,

It is a sincere pleasure to be here with the Russian delegation, among our friends and like-minded people, with whom we defend the ideals of justice in the international arena.

These ideals, the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, have recently come under more and more aggressive attacks. Russia's position in the international arena and our foreign policy, the foundations of which are determined by President Vladimir Putin, are consistently aimed at counteracting such unlawful actions that undermine international stability and the world order based on the UN Charter.

We sincerely appreciate your decision to honour our efforts with a high award. I expect to convey my words of gratitude personally to President of Mali Assimi Goïta, when we meet with him today.

Long live friendship between the peoples of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Mali!