Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at a ceremony for the commemorative cancellation of a postage stamp dedicated to the 225th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Gorchakov, Moscow, July 20, 2023
20 July 2023 15:10
1470-20-07-2023
Friends, Mr Volkov, Mr Adibekov,
This is not the first time we have come together in this building (which has become home away from home to many). Regarding the cancellation ceremonies for the stamps dedicated to outstanding diplomats and important events in Russia's foreign policy, I'm pleased to note that these events have become a good tradition and are indicative of the close cooperation with our colleagues working in this sphere.
Today, we focus on the 225th anniversary of the birth of the Chancellor of the Russian Empire Alexander Gorchakov. It is gratifying to know that, in June, a stamp dedicated to our predecessor and a great statesman was added to the History of Russian Diplomacy philatelic series.
Once again, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the employees of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Russian Post, JSC Marka and our other colleagues who are part of this good tradition and the efforts to hold today's ceremony.
Alexander Gorchakov's service to the country can hardly be overestimated. For over a quarter of a century, he stood at the helm of Russia's diplomacy. He became head of the Foreign Ministry in 1856, a tumultuous time following the 1853-1856 Crimean War. He possessed great skills and was uncompromising in defence of national interests. In particular, he managed to overcome Russia's international isolation, and rebuilt and reinforced its position and high standing in the international arena. Ending the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Paris (1856) to make the Black Sea neutral territory came as the high point of his diplomatic career. Russia then got another opportunity to build a full-fledged Black Sea Fleet. Since then, our Black Sea Fleet has reliably ensured our country's security to the present day and for many years and centuries to come.
The chancellor consistently operated on the premise that foreign policy should primarily be aimed at creating favourable conditions for domestic progress. This is one of the underlying principles of our foreign policy, which is enshrined in every doctrinal document adopted since the 1990s. Everyone knows that strategic vision is an indispensable quality for a diplomat. Alexander Gorchakov had it. As a matter of fact, it is reflected in his famous phrase: "Russia is not angry, Russia is concentrating." The policies informed by this pithy phrase made it possible to revise the outcomes of the Crimean War. Gorchakov's diplomatic skills were instrumental in conducting the Great Reforms that ushered in sweeping transformations across Russia. By strengthening our standing in the international arena, he laid the groundwork for more partners and allies to join Russia, including in matters of economic growth.
Alexander Gorchakov's legacy is multifaceted. His diplomatic philosophy and the principles which underpinned his work have remained relevant to this day. We continue to creatively interpret his legacy and adapt it to our daily work.
The name of Alexander Gorchakov, a true patriot and a dedicated statesman, is forever inscribed in golden letters in the more than thousand-year-old annals of Russia. Smolenskaya Square will continue to promote the implementation of various projects and undertakings aimed at preserving and perpetuating the memory of outstanding figures of our great Motherland who contributed to the strengthening and protecting of its international standing. We are counting on the support of our friends from the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Russian Post and Marka, with whom we have accomplished many good projects.
I would like to close by noting that a decision has been made to award General Director of JSC Marka Artyom Adibekov with a badge "For Cooperation" for his personal input into joint efforts to promote Russian diplomatic achievements in the international arena.
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