Ambassador A.N.Darchiev's welcoming remarks
Dear colleagues and friends, comrades,
Today we are celebrating the Diplomat’s Day honoring our common profession and carrier choice to serve the people in our respective countries far and away from home while promoting better understanding and preventing conflicts for relatively modest salaries.
One of the stereotypes about diplomats is that they actually are constant tourists traveling to luxury locations at government’s expense in-between spending time to make bets in Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Monte-Carlo.
Thanks to Hollywood and Bollywood many do believe diplomacy is about never-ending receptions and consuming cocktails.
But we know for sure and first-hand that being a diplomat means hard work 24/7 without gratitude, penning cables, scheduling meetings, accommodating demanding delegations and, if necessary, carrying their luggage.
The end result, despite bureaucratic routine, which is overwhelming sometimes, is nonetheless rewarding, as it helps bringing people together and not allow bilateral relations to collapse even in a dire situation.
While saying this, I do not mean we, diplomats, are or should be saints. Instead of saying “no”, we can say “may be” telling people to go to hell in such an artful way that they ask for directions.
Russian-American relations are exemplary case of the art of diplomacy. They have a long history of peaks and lows, bordering on rudeness, but never gaps.
Believe my 35 years of experience on a US-Russia track, which is a lifetime employment, as I responsibly testify that both Russian and American diplomats have served their countries in a very professional way putting diplomacy first.
This has allowed us to overcome crises and preserve common sense as a prerequisite to making Russian-American relations great again. Our Presidents have instructed us to do exactly that.
So, the task is set, we know what should be done, and tonight it’s time to celebrate our professional holiday with friends, colleagues and comrades in one big diplomatic family.
Thank you.