On Russia’s National Day
On June 12, citizens of the Russian Federation celebrate their national holiday - Russia Day.
On June 12, 1990, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia was adopted, in which the supremacy of the Constitution of Russia and its laws was proclaimed. At the same time, the new official name of the country, the Russian Federation, was adopted, and it became an important milestone in strengthening Russian statehood. On the same day, but in 1991, the first nationwide presidential elections were held. On this day we honor our native country, our Russia, which we love and are proud of.
In the history of Russia, this date marks the beginning of cardinal transformations. They were required by time, but, like any radical reforms, they proved to be very difficult, and sometimes dramatic for the state and our people. Much of what was absolutely new, unexplored, complex at that time was already firmly rooted in the modern life of Russian society. This day became not only a symbol of cardinal democratic and economic transformations, but also of the whole historical path of the Russian state, which has been continuously living developing for more than eleven centuries.
For every Russian, the Motherland is the native land from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands and from Arctic seas to Sevastopol and Crimea. It was on these vast expanses that our thousand-year history was created, filled with pages of great glory and pride, the unsurpassed courage of our ancestors, their unconditional love for their homeland.
Russia's place in the world is determined by its significant resources in all areas of living, its status of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, participant in the leading intergovernmental organizations and associations, one of the largest nuclear powers, and the successor of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Russia, taking into account its decisive contribution to the victory in World War II and its active role in shaping the contemporary system of international relations and eliminating the global system of colonialism, is one of the sovereign centres of global development performing a historically unique mission aimed at maintaining global balance of power and building a multipolar international system, as well as ensuring conditions for the peaceful progressive development of humanity on the basis of a unifying and constructive agenda.
Our country has experienced many turning points and very difficult challenges, which our multinational people has always overcome with honor and dignity. Currently, Russia is at the decisive point in its history. Indeed, today international relations are undergoing truly cardinal, tectonic shifts, and time requires us to rethink Russia's role in this process. Today, as we reflect upon the importance of this holiday, we must recognize the tectonic shifts occurring in the realm of international relations. We observe a persistent trend of hegemonic interventions, imposing visions and ideologies upon sovereign nations, often disregarding their unique histories, cultures, and aspirations. Certain Western States refuse to recognize and accept the realities of a multipolar world and, on this basis, to agree on the parameters and principles of the new world order. This approach breeds instability, fuels conflicts, and impedes the path to peace and prosperity for all. It is crucial that we speak up and defend the truth and the good cause. By forging strong partnerships and working closely together, we can effectively combat these threats and secure a future of peaceful and sustainable development for our nations.
As the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin recently stressed, our country has demonstrated its high level of readiness and receptiveness to technological change. We can see how our financial sector, e-commerce, transport services, and public administration system have already undergone significant changes. Similar processes are now beginning to unfold in the Armed Forces, where a high rate of technological renewal is also required. This is the most important and defining issue for our country.
Despite all the obstacles we are facing and the illegitimate sanctions imposed against us, Russia remains one of the key participants in global trade and is rapidly expanding the new logistics and geography of cooperation. We are strengthening ties with the countries in Asia (a growth of 60 percent from 2020 to 2023), the Middle East (100 percent), Africa (69 percent) and Latin America (42 percent).
Development of the cross-border payment infrastructure is a separate issue which is important both for the exporters and importers. It is no secret that the reliability and trust in Western payment systems have been fundamentally undermined, by Western countries themselves. Together with our partners, we will increase the use of national currencies in foreign trade payments and improve the safety and efficiency of these operations by establishing an independent payment system that is not subject to political pressure, abuse and external sanctions interference.
On this solemn occasion, we not only celebrate the achievements of our nation but also reaffirm our commitment to strengthen cooperation with countries across the globe. Russia has always been and remains an active participant of international processes. We build our international relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect, non-use of force, rejection of unilateral decisions and sanctions pressure. We recognize the importance of developing robust partnerships with African nations, a region that holds immense potential and significance, based on the principles of mutual respect, shared benefits, and common development. Russia stands in solidarity with the African states in their desire for a more equitable polycentric world and elimination of social and economic inequality. The Russian Federation intends to support further the establishment of Africa as a distinctive and influential centre of world development.
In this context, it is important to highlight the special emphasis we place on our relationship with Ethiopia, one of Russia's key partners in Africa. We highly appreciate the cooperation between our countries on the international stage. Russia and Ethiopia demonstrate shared or similar approaches to addressing major global challenges. We also hope that our joint activities, now within BRICS, will contribute to strengthening economic ties, political, social and diplomatic interaction of our counties.
Dear friends! I thank everyone who congratulated us on the holiday, and I want to wish the brotherly people of Ethiopia peace and prosperity.