Russian Diplomatic Day and its importance I
Dr. Syed Mehboob
Economic and Political Analyst
http//: www.thenewslark.com
Diplomatic workers are the backbone of any country’s foreign policy implementation. They are soft image of their respective countries. Russia places great importance on its Diplomatic Workers. Diplomatic workers advance their country’s priorities on global issues such as peace and security, defence, law enforcement, human rights, health, and environmental protection. Addressing these challenges requires engaging with other governments. Such interactions can take the form of cooperation when interests align. In an increasingly international world, diplomacy plays a vital role in fostering peaceful relations, promoting cooperation, and navigating complex international issues. At the frontline of this diplomatic endeavor stand Diplomatic Staff and workers, individuals designated for the critical task of representing their home countries.
To encourage, appreciate, and give them a dignified and honorable place to its Diplomatic Workers, Russia celebrates” Russian Diplomatic Workers’ Day on 10th February every year. On this day, in various countries, Russian embassies and consulates arrange events to bring together their diplomatic staff and pay them a rich tribute. The holiday was established in October 2002 by the Decree of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to acknowledge the importance of the profession of a diplomat and its role as one of the key elements of Russia’s statehood. The date of 10th February was chosen for a reason the earliest mention of “ Posolsky Prikaz”, the predecessor of the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs, falls on this day in 1549.
Ancient Russia already in the 19th century actively showed itself as a participant in international relations. One of the key events of that time was the sending of the Russian embassy to Constantinople in 838. In 860, the treaty “About peace and love” with the Byzantine Empire, which became the first such act in the history of Russia, was concluded.
Later, under Ivan the Terrible, a separate department was created for this purpose, the Ambassadorial Prikaz. Its head was one of the most educated people of his time- Ivan Viskovaty. Over time, Russia's influence on the world stage increased. Its first permanent diplomatic missions appeared in neighboring countries. The embassy in Sweden began its work in 1634, the embassy in Poland began its work in 1673. After the victory in the Great Northern War and Peter the Great's assumption of the imperial title, the diplomatic network of the Russian Empire expanded. In 1720, the Embassy Order was reformed into the Collegium of Foreign Affairs with two departments: the political department (secret office) and the "public expedition". The first was in charge of receiving foreign diplomats and sending delegations abroad, as well as diplomatic correspondence and political document management. The second was responsible for economic and postal support, as well as for the affairs of the border provinces.
In 1802, Emperor Alexander I issued a manifesto on the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - the predecessor of the modern Foreign Ministry. The Collegium of Foreign Affairs had existed in parallel with it, but gradually, the solution of all foreign policy issues was transferred to the new department. Count Alexander Vorontsov was appointed the first Minister of Foreign Affairs.
By 1913 Russia had more than 200 representative offices abroad and maintained diplomatic relations with 47 states. However, after the October Revolution, most of these relations had to be built anew. For this purpose the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs headed by Lev Trotsky was created. The office was quite successful in bringing the country out of isolation. Already by 1924, relations with Germany, France, Great Britain, Austria, Sweden, Japan, China, and other states were re-established.
During the Great Patriotic War, Soviet diplomats worked to strengthen the anti-Hitler coalition and maintain ties with the Allies. After the end of hostilities, the USSR made a major contribution to the creation of the UN. By May 1945, relations with 41 states had been established.
By the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union had an established Foreign Ministry structure that remained virtually unchanged until the 1990s. In November 1991, the agency was renamed the Ministry of Foreign Relations, but it did not exist under this name for long, until the collapse of the USSR in December of the same year. It was succeeded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Today, the Russian Foreign Ministry and its foreign institutions employ more than 12,000 people. About a third of them are professional diplomats. The department is responsible for communication with foreign states and international organizations, implementation of Russia's foreign policy course, as well as strengthening cooperation and development of strategic partnerships with other countries in defending national interests.
The celebration of the Diplomatic Worker's Day is traditionally held in the Foreign Ministry building on Smolensk-Sennaya Square. A solemn meeting is held in the office of the Ministry, during which the Minister of Foreign Affairs officially congratulates his colleagues. Diplomats who have distinguished themselves in their service are honored with various awards.
Another tradition of the holiday is laying flowers at the memorials of diplomats who died in the course of duty, as well as during the Great Patriotic War and Stalinist repressions. Famous diplomats who played a significant role in the country's history are also honored. Commemorative ceremonies are held both in the main building of the Foreign Ministry and in Russian diplomatic missions abroad.
Educational institutions and cultural establishments hold thematic events that tell about the history of diplomacy, achievements, and talented representatives of the state's foreign policy. Diplomatic Worker's Day is also celebrated annually at the MGIMO, the alma mater of Russian diplomacy.
Throughout its history, 54 people have been the heads of the foreign policy department of Russia. The longest in this position was Carl Nesselrode, who headed the Foreign Ministry from 1816 to 1856 (40 years). The record for the shortest term in this position was set by Pavel Milyukov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Provisional Government. He headed the department for only two months, from March to May 1917.
Alexander Griboyedov is known to most Russians as a writer, but his main occupation was diplomacy. He died in 1829 during a trip to Persia when religious fanatics attacked the Russian diplomatic mission. Later that year, Persian diplomats came to St. Petersburg to meet with Emperor Nicholas I. They brought with them, among other gifts.
Speaking in Moscow on the occasion of Diplomatic Workers' Day, which is celebrated in Russia on Feb. 10, Lavrov paid tribute to the memory of all the Russian diplomats who contributed to the development of Russia's international relations.
"Today, we remember our great predecessors. We also remember the comrades who died in the line of duty, and those who became victims of political repression. We always keep this memory, we are inspired by their service to the motherland," he said.
Lavrov also thanked the diplomats from the Commonwealth of Independent States and "friendly" countries who took part in the ceremony, saying that Moscow "values this solidarity."
"Diplomats have always been one of the main pillars of the state. It is enough to recall their role in overcoming the isolation of Soviet Russia after the 1917 revolution. ... This part of our common history should be well studied by Western countries, which are once again trying to isolate and ‘cancel’ us," he said, referring to sanctions and other measures taken after the start of the Ukraine conflict .
Lavrov thanked all Foreign Ministry employees for their continuing contributions and for sharing their experience with the younger generations.
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