Moscow’s top diplomat is holding an online briefing with domestic and foreign press to discuss key international issues
FILE PHOTO: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov © Sputnik / Ramil Sitdikov Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is holding an online press conference with both Russian and foreign journalists on Thursday. Earlier the ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted the significance of the upcoming event, noting it will be intense, covering numerous topics and key aspects of the international situation. Lavrov is anticipated to discuss Russia’s foreign policy strategy and responses to current international events, using the occasion to reflect on the year’s diplomatic challenges. The conference aims to involve journalists from different regions, promoting dialogue on significant global issues. It also highlights Moscow’s commitment to transparency and communication with international media in light of complex geopolitical dynamics. 26 December 2024 08:35 GMT Israel should not secure its safety at Syria’s expense, as the destruction of military facilities in the Arab republic will “sow a storm,” Sergey Lavrov warned. Moscow understands Ankara’s concerns about security on the Turkish-Syrian border, Lavrov has stated. He emphasized that Türkiye’s legitimate security interests must be addressed while preserving Syria’s territorial integrity. Russia maintains contact with the new Syrian authorities, discussing the safety of Russian citizens and the embassy in the country, Lavrov has said. He emphasized Moscow’s interest in dialogue with Damascus on other bilateral issues as well. Russia is also ready to assist in organizing elections in Syria to ensure they are universally recognized and raise no concerns, the foreign minister added. Lavrov has called the West’s demands for other countries to sever ties with Russia absurd. Moscow is ready to engage with any Western representatives open to mutually beneficial agreements, he said. He cited Hungary and Slovakia as examples, noting that other EU members are also beginning to lean toward this approach. Russia is ready for consultations with the President-elect Donald Trump’s administration on Ukraine and hopes the White House will delve into the root causes of the conflict, Lavrov stated. Lavrov has stated that a truce in Ukraine would currently lead nowhere, stressing the need for reliable agreements. He clarified that Russia is not setting any preconditions for negotiations but insists on the fulfillment of existing agreements. The foreign minister added that future agreements on resolving the Ukraine conflict must include a mechanism to prevent violations. More
