Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the presentation of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Moscow, April 17, 2024

Esteemed Mr Khabirov,

Esteemed guests,

Your Excellency,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have gathered today for a presentation of a region of the Russian Federation at the Foreign Ministry’s Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps (GlavUpDK). Such events have become a good tradition. We take pride in performing this function as it allows us to introduce our foreign friends to the richness of the Russian Federation. Russia’s regions and republics, including Bashkortostan, are contributing to this wealth. Bashkortostan is a unique land with a rich culture, historical landmarks and substantial economic and investment potential. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, in the very heart of Eurasia, it is emerging as a driving force in global economic and investment endeavours, as well as in the convergence of global civilisational processes. This role is crucial in shaping the centuries-old cultural fusion, which, to cite President of Russia Vladimir Putin, reflects both the historical legacy and current realities of this region.

The Republic of Bashkortostan is home to 110 ethnicities practicing different religions and speaking different languages. Accord between them, as well as between all other ethnic groups in the Russian Federation, is built on mutual respect and a careful preservation of traditions, history, faith, way of life and customs. Speaking at a meeting devoted to the 450th anniversary of Bashkiria’s integration into Russia in 2007, President Vladimir Putin emphasised that the republic has long been and continues to be one of the core regions of our country, setting a successful model of ethnic and religious harmony. Clearly, this example is very important today.

We are seeing many attempts to undermine ethnic harmony in our country. Reflecting on the processes leading to the current confrontation between Russia and the West, which was preparing a war against us through Ukrainian leaders, and the barbaric terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, President Vladimir Putin recently addressed this issue. This is why it is difficult to overrate the importance of promoting ethnic and religious accord, where, as President Putin emphasised, Bashkortostan is a noteworthy example.

The Kurai flower is a symbol of Bashkortostan, with its seven petals representing the seven clans that initiated the unity of the peoples inhabiting the region. Great Bashkirian poet Mustai Karim (Mustafa Karimov) once wrote: “We share the same destiny with the Russians. For four centuries, our tribes have been intertwined in feats and glory.”

The residents of the republic have always upheld with dignity this reputation, which Mustai Karim described in such a poetic way. I recently discussed our shared historical achievements with Head of Bashkortostan Rady Khabirov – our contribution to the defeat of Napoleon’s forces in the war of 1812, and the decisive victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War and World War II.

Today, the heirs of Napoleon’s soldiers and Hitler’s ideologues, who once sought to conquer and destroy our country, are making yet another attempt to achieve this. They unleashed a war against Russia using the Ukrainian Nazi regime, which seized power through an unconstitutional and bloody coup d’etat 10 years ago. President Putin spoke about this in detail more than once. Undoubtedly, this challenge mirrors the threats faced by our Motherland in the 19th and 20th centuries, aimed at the fragmentation of its territory with a view to controlling its remnants in accordance with the ambitions of the hegemon.

There is a reason why the United States, having subjugated the rest of the Western world, is reluctant to accept the objective trends of historical evolution, including the emergence of new centres of economic growth and political influence and the formation of a multipolar international order. This trend cannot be reversed. However, we are witnessing the West’s desperate attempts to slow down this process, which, unfortunately, result in enormous loss of life. All our peoples, including the people of Bashkortostan, are resisting this new assault on our sovereignty and values. I would like to note the heroic contribution of the people of Bashkortostan to our efforts to achieve the just and noble goals of the special military operation.

Today, Bashkortostan is among the leading industrial and agro-industrial regions of the Russian Federation. Its main industries − petroleum production and refining, chemistry and petrochemistry, power engineering, metallurgy, and agriculture − reflect the latest global economic trends. The republic consistently ranks high among Russia’s leading regions in the National Investment Climate Rankings. The governments of many countries represented here know this from their own experience.

It is encouraging to see that the republic is striving to expand its foreign trade relations. It has signed foreign trade agreements with 105 countries and prioritises cooperation with the CIS and the EAEU, as well as the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The capital of Bashkortostan, Ufa, has on many occasions hosted major international forums and festivals, including at the highest level. In 2015, Ufa hosted the BRICS and the SCO summits. I am confident that this beautiful city will continue to host many more successful summits.

We welcome the focus of Bashkortostan’s leadership and its business circles on expanding foreign relations and looking for reliable foreign partners who are guided by the principle of mutual benefit and are willing to expand trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, rather than engage in joint projects with someone who is hostage to their geopolitical ambitions.

The Foreign Ministry will continue to support these efforts in every possible way, especially so as they are undertaken in the context of global trends towards forming a fair, democratic, balanced and mutually respectful international order.

Without a doubt, Bashkortostan is generously endowed with natural riches. Its natural beauty is truly breathtaking, a fact I can personally attest to. There are countless attractions for visitors to explore here. Located just a two-hour flight from Moscow, the Southern Ural region is a must-visit destination at any time of the year. It offers mountain hikes, ski resorts, mineral springs, and historical tours. For those seeking thrilling adventures, rafting down the beautiful rivers of Bashkortostan are highly recommended. Personally, I owe much of my personal growth to my deep connection with nature. It was through participating in student construction teams that I first experienced the beauty of nature. As a MGIMO student, I made four trips to Siberia and the Far East during summer vacations as a student construction team member to build various sites, and got to know my homeland. Water tourism and mountain river rafting have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. This passion of mine was born in Bashkortostan, for which I am deeply grateful to this remarkable land.

A magnificent world-class Rowing Slalom Centre is being built in Bashkortostan upon the decision of the republic’s leadership, and we hope to open it this summer.

Friends,

I am confident that this presentation will provide a great impetus for promising projects and initiatives, which I believe your respective countries will find interesting. It will offer you an insight into Bashkortostan’s history, industrial potential, and natural wonders.

This year, Ufa will celebrate its 450th anniversary. I propose that we consider today’s presentation as the beginning of the festivities in honour of this momentous occasion.