Russia sets out its policy on terrorism, nuclear war & global ties in new Foreign Policy Concept
President
Vladimir Putin has signed a decree approving Russia's new Foreign Policy
Concept. The document specifies Moscow's position on key global issues,
highlighting its relations with the US, EU, China and other countries.
Published on
Thursday, the concept is now
in force, replacing the previous one from 2013. Moscow's "views on core
principles, priority directions, aims and tasks of the Russian foreign policy"
are stated in the document of almost 40 pages.
Saying that
Russia pursues an independent foreign policy based both on national interests
and respect for international law, the concept states that Moscow's policy is
"open, foreseeable" and "shaped by centuries"
of Russia's historic role in the development of global civilization.
"Russia
is fully aware of its special responsibility for maintaining security in the
world both on global and regional levels, and is aimed at cooperative actions
with all concerned states in the interest to solve common issues," the
document says.
Moscow calls
for "creation of a broad international anti-terrorist coalition, firmly
based on a legal framework, and effective and systematic cooperation among
states," the document says. No "double standards"
should have a place in such a coalition, which should become the main force to
fight global terrorism.
Nuclear war hazard low, but US missile
shield threatens Russia's national security
Moscow stands
for the creation of "zones free of nuclear weapons and other types of
weapons of mass destruction, especially in the Middle East," the
concept states, adding that "fighting international terrorism is key
priority in international security."
No country
should use terrorist organizations to pursue its "political,
ideological and other aims," it says. Political and legal framework
for nuclear and other weapons nonproliferation course is key, to avoid risks of
such weapons landing in the hands of terrorist organizations.
Russia stays
true to its international obligations in the arms control, and expects the same
from its partners. Washington's development of its global missile defense
system is viewed as a "threat to national security," with
Moscow "reserving the right to take relevant counter measures."
"Russia
stands for constructive cooperation with the US in the field of arms control,
with a compulsory allowance for an inseparable correlation between strategic
offensive and defense weapons," the document says. Global strategic
stability should be the key factor in possible further arms reduction, it adds.
"Despite
[the fact] that a threat of a large-scale war, including nuclear war, initiated
between key states remains low, risks that [such states] may be involved in
regional crisis, escalating them, are growing," the new Foreign Policy
Concept warns.
Russia-US dialogue possible, but only if
US abandons its 'restraining' course
Washington and
its allies have been pursuing a "restraining course" against
Russia, aiming to "pressure" it both politically and
economically, the document says, adding that such policy "undermines
regional and global security." It also harms long-term interests of
both sides, and goes against a "growing necessity for cooperation"
and joint counteraction to global threats.
Russia
reserves the right to "harsh" retaliatory measures to "unfriendly
actions," including measures in toughening its national defense.
Moscow "is
interested in building mutually beneficial relations with the US, taking into
consideration the two countries' responsibility for global strategic stability
and the state of international security in general," the concept
stresses, adding that the two nations have significant opportunities in trade,
investment, scientific and other forms of cooperation.
The
development of dialogue on bilateral relations, as well as on other international
issues "is only possible if based on equality, mutual respect and
non-interference in one another's internal affairs."
In regard to
contacts with NATO, Moscow plans to build its relations with the alliance based
on its eagerness to be engaged in equal partnership. So far, Russia negatively
regards NATO's expansion, with its military infrastructure getting closer to
the Russian borders. Such actions are considered as "defying the
principle of equal security" and might cause new "division
lines in Europe."
Meanwhile,
Moscow praises the role of the United Nations in "regulating
international relations and coordinating world policies," saying that
there are no other options to replace the organization in the 21st century.
Relations with EU among Moscow's
priorities, abolishing visa regime will strengthen ties
Stepping-up
mutually beneficial bilateral ties with European countries is named among one
of Russia's key priorities in the new Foreign Policy Concept.
The EU is
Russia's important trade and economic partner, the document says, adding that
Moscow also regards Europe as its associate in foreign policy and is looking
for "stable cooperation" based on mutual respect. Relations
with Germany, France, Italy and Spain are mentioned as being key for the
Kremlin in promoting its interests on the international arena.
"The
strategic task in relations with the EU is forming a broad economic and
humanitarian space from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean," that will
unite and "harmonize" the European continent, the concept
says.
"The
visa regime remains one of the main barriers in the way of development of
contacts between Russia and the EU. The gradual cancellation of the visa regime
on a reciprocal basis will become a powerful impulse for strengthening
cooperation between Russia and the EU in economic, humanitarian, cultural,
educational and other spheres," the document says.
Russia to strengthen ties with the East,
presence in the Antarctic
Among other
Moscow's foreign policy priorities, the concept mentions developing further
relations with its eastern neighbors. "Full-scale" partnership
and cooperation with China is on the agenda, as well as "further
deepening" of strategic partnership with India. With the latter,
Russia has always had "privileged" relations, according to the
document, which says that the two nations' cooperation is based on
corresponding foreign policies, "historic friendship and deep mutual
trust."
Japan and
other countries in the Asia-Pacific Region are also mentioned as important
partners to work with in the near future.
"Russia
will also continue its work on preserving and widening its presence in the
Antarctic," the concept states, adding that Moscow is as well "open
for building relations with Canada" to cooperate in the Arctic and
other regions.
Russia's
position on Syria is also mentioned in the new Foreign Policy Concept, with
Moscow standing for the Middle Eastern country's "unity, independence
and territorial integrity." Representatives of all ethnic and
religious groups in Syria should be provided with equal security and peace, and
enjoy "equal rights and opportunities," the document says.
Read more
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