Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope Thursday in restoring Moscow's ties with South Korea. Speaking at a ceremony for the presentation of credentials by new ambassadors in the Kremlin, Putin said that 'much of the positive capital' in Moscow's interaction with Seoul has been 'squandered.' 'Previously, we adhered to pragmatic approaches, and our countries achieved truly positive results in trade and business. We hope to restore relations with the Republic (of Korea),' Putin stated during the event, which included South Korea's new ambassador.
According to Anadolu Agency, Putin emphasized that Russia is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries without exception, including European states, and that Moscow is also interested in ensuring the work of each of the new ambassadors is 'as effective as possible.' The Russian president touched on ties with Cuba, stating, 'We stand in solidarity with their determination to defend their sovereignty and independence with all their might.'
He also spoke about Russia's interest in Afghanistan, expressing a desire for it to be a united, independent, and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking. A total of 32 newly-appointed ambassadors to Russia attended the ceremony. Aside from South Korea's new ambassador, the newly-appointed envoys of France, Italy, Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, and Pakistan were also present.
Putin addressed global developments, arguing that the international situation is 'increasingly deteriorating' and that diplomacy, as well as the search for consensus and compromise solutions, are 'increasingly being replaced by unilateral, and quite dangerous, actions.' He highlighted the plight of numerous countries suffering from disrespect for their sovereign rights and lacking the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.
He reaffirmed Moscow's position that the situation in Ukraine is a 'direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia's legitimate interests and a deliberate course of threatening our security and advancing NATO toward Russia's borders, contrary to the public promises made to us.' Putin conveyed Russia's commitment to the ideals of a multipolar world, advocating for "strengthening the key, central role of the UN in global affairs."
Putin also mentioned Russia's proposals for a 'new, reliable and equitable architecture' for European and global security, suggesting that returning to substantive discussions on these initiatives could lead to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He stressed Russia's goal for a "long-term and sustainable peace that reliably ensures the security of everyone," expressing hope that this recognition will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will continue to pursue its objectives consistently.