Address by H.E.Mr.Gleb A.Ivashentsov,

Ambassador of the Russian Federation,

at the reception in the Embassy of Russia

on the occasion of

the Russian Diplomatic Service Day

(Seoul, February 11^th, 2008)

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

Colleagues,

I am glad to welcome you at this reception on the occasion of the Russian Diplomatic Service Day.

The very presence of such a day in our calendar is an illustration of the significance which the new Russia attaches to diplomacy. It is but natural. Nowadays no nation could cope with global problems on its own. What is needed is a concerted leadership of geographically and civilizationally important powers. To face new threats and challenges the world needs multilateral diplomacy and joint efforts of the whole international community.

Uncertainty concerning a future world order has been in many respects connected with the weakening of Russia after the disintegration of the USSR. The present strengthening of Russia which has brought back to her a powerful role in world affairs, in a combination with the rise of such global centers of development and influence as China and India, pave the way to a multipolar world order.

Russia invites partners in the West and the East to jointly deliberate on what world we live in and what should be done to provide international stability and security in the era of globalization.

Regretfully, advancement in this direction is constrained with instincts and prejudices inherited from the Cold War epoch. As for Russia, it rejects the confrontation being imposed on her. On the global stage, we shall continue with pushing forward such an agenda which is aimed at rapprochement of individual states’ positions and is based on mutual consideration of national interests and recognition of the common responsibility for the destiny of the world.

Partnership with the Republic of Korea is one of the priorities of the Russian foreign policy in Asia and the Pacific. Bilaterally and multilaterally, two our nations are making a significant joint contribution to establishment of mutual understanding, security and cooperation in the region and the world. I am confident that this partnership will ever enhance.

Dear friends,

Work of a diplomat is demanded in the today's world as much as work of a plowman, a builder, a teacher or a doctor. For to do their work for the people best, the plowman, the builder, the teacher and the doctor need a peaceful environment. And it is diplomats who provide such an environment. Our profession cannot be regarded as a quietest, safest or most profitable one. But we are proud of the fact that it is needed by people. Irrespective of their nationality, diplomats devote their lives to serve the noble goal of world peace. And this service unites us, diplomats, Russians and Koreans, Americans and the Chinese, the French and Indians.

To your health, dear friends and Colleagues!

To mutual understanding between peoples!

To peace on Earth!