Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during a meeting with Perm Territory Governor Dmitry Makhonin, Perm, May 29, 2025

Mr Makhonin,

Let me congratulate you on successful organisation of an entire series of events: on top of the public political hearings on Eurasian security and the role of political parties in this process, you held a meeting of the Commission of the United Russia General Council on International Affairs and Problems of Compatriots Abroad, created five years ago at the initiative of President of Russia Vladimir Putin, which I was entrusted to head. Today was its tenth meeting.

We discussed things that concern you directly: foreign economic and international relations of the regions of the Russian Federation. The Perm Territory has a leading position here. It is my first visit here, and I can see that the territory and its capital city are ready to host international events at various levels. We will consider this, especially with regard to Eurasian security discussions held at the moment at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin. You are blessed to host as many meetings as possible, because Perm is located on the border between Europe and Asia. The location and population of your region embodies the very concept of Eurasia.

We are keen to provide every possible support in presenting and highlighting the advantages of cooperation across economic, trade, cultural, and investment spheres. As part of our established practice, the Russian Foreign Ministry regularly hosts presentations of various Russian regions, showcasing their economic potential, investment opportunities, and even cultural and culinary heritage.

I would be delighted if the Perm Territory should express interest in such an event. We would be pleased to organise it at a proper level.