Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society’s website, Moscow, July 25, 2016

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society’s website, Moscow, July 25, 2016

1361-25-07-2016

Question: Mr Lavrov, the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society has historical ties with the Middle East, the people living in this internationally significant region – the land of three global religions. The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society has always pursued noble goals and sought to strengthen Russia’s position in the Middle East. June 3, 2017 will mark 135 years since this ancient society was founded. What do you think of its current activities, including its friendly ties with Middle Eastern people, its contribution to cultural, historical and spiritual heritage, and mainly the phenomenon of “Russian Palestine”? Why do you think the Society has been so long lasting and instrumental in the Middle East as the oldest non-governmental organisation in the over 100 years of its history?

Sergey Lavrov: To begin with, I’d like to congratulate all Society members on the upcoming 135^thanniversary of the day Alexander III decreed the founding of the organisation following the initiative of many prominent personalities and public figures of the time. This society was designed to promote friendly relations with the people of the region, particularly to create favourable conditions for pilgrims. However, it didn’t just seek to make it possible for Russian people to travel to the holy sites but also to ensure Russia’s presence in the Holy Land, to create the “Russian Palestine” you mentioned.

Since then, the society has been pro-actively working in the Middle East. It has purchased a lot of land in this holy place for all Christians, Jews and Muslims. The society has implemented many educational, humanitarian and enlightening missions and has acquired an authority and a stable, reliable reputation in the region.

The fact that we are energetically restoring the society’s position after the Soviet-era pause is, I believe, meeting the fundamental interests of the Russian state and the noble goal of preserving the continuity of our history. Apart from the spiritual aspects, “Russian Palestine” today is an essential instrument for consolidating Russia’s positions, which adds another dimension to our diplomacy in this important area.

To be continued...