Providing support for the ‘Russian world’ abroad is an overriding priority of Russia’s foreign policy, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in the run-up of the World Congress of Russian compatriots living abroad.
The article by Lavrov was published by the newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
“As reiterated by President Vladimir Putin, we will continue to vigorously defend the rights of compatriots, using the whole arsenal of means envisioned by international law. Over the years, we managed to reach a radically new level in our work and form efficient mechanisms of cooperation being in close contact with representatives of the [Russian] communities abroad,” the article states.
The minister listed various ways of further uniting the Russian diaspora, including the ‘protection of compatriots’ rights, cooperation with the Russian foreign press, annual thematic forums, conferences and gatherings, training and educational trips’.
According to Lavrov, Brussels’ and Washington’s ‘anti-Russian actions’, including the introduction of unilateral bans, have not affected the dialogue with [Russian] communities.
The state programme of support for the resettlement in the Russian Federation of compatriots residing abroad was adopted in 2006. Under the pogramme, more than 367,000 people have moved to Russia.
Everyone who was born in the territory of Russia, or whose immediate ancestors were born in the territory of Russia, may come under the programme.
The Russian community abroad numbers about 30 million people. It is the fourth largest diaspora in the world.
Belsat.eu, following Rossiyskaya Gazeta
