Among the priorities of the Russian policy in the Asia Pacific Region is the comprehensive development of friendly and cooperative relations with the Republic of Korea, as well as assistance for the peaceful, political and diplomatic settlement of the problems of the Korean peninsula. We hope that the positive trends in the inter-Korean dialogue shall be further developed, said Russia Amb. Andrey Kulik through his speech at the reception on the occasion of the Fatherland Defender’s Day (Russian Armed Forces Day), held on February 22, 2019 in a downtown hotel Seoul.

From the Seoul Diplomatic Corps., Iran Amb. Saeed Badamchi Shabestari, Serbia Amb. Zoran Kazazovic, Chile Amb. Fernando Danus, Belarus Amb. Andrei Popkov, China Amb. Qiu Guohong showed off with Charge d’Affaires a.i Gert Johannes DU Freez from the Embassy of South Africa, and Rear Admiral Kim Hyun Il, Director of Foreign Intelligence, Korea Defense Intelligence Agency, Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea.

The following is a speech delivered by Russia Amb. Andrey Kulik on the podium. –Ed.

On February 23rd, the people of the Russian Federation celebrate the state holiday – the Fatherland Defender’s Day, which has long since become popular. More than one hundred years ago, in 1918, the Red Army of Workers and Peasants was created, the successors of the combat traditions of which were the Soviet Army and the Navy, and then the Armed Forces of modern Russia. But in general this holiday personifies the glorious centuries-old history of the Russian Army. At all times it has served as a stronghold of the state, being the basis of its power and stability.

On this day, Russia honors the memory of the Heroes fallen for its freedom and independence, pays tribute to the veterans, the great generation of victors who defeated Nazism and militarism, honors all those who devoted their lives to the defense of our Homeland.

Russians are proud of the heroic pages of Russian history, carefully keep the memory of the feats of the fathers and grandfathers who bravely defended our native land against foreign invaders.

Not sparing their lives, Russian soldiers and officers helped to defend freedom and independence of other nations, carried out important peacekeeping missions, rescued people in emergency situations.

Today the Russian Armed Forces possess a huge combat potential. They are staying in constant combat readiness. They are able to act effectively and seamlessly. They are ready to confidently repel any aggression. The combat power of the modern Russian Army, the high military skills and courage of our soldiers and officers were demonstrated in the course of the military operation in Syria, where the real struggle against international terrorism continues in an uncompromising manner.

Russia has always sought to solve any disputes exclusively by political and diplomatic means, has more than once helped stabilize the situation in different countries and regions of the world. Among the priorities of the Russian policy in the Asia Pacific Region is the comprehensive development of friendly and cooperative relations with the Republic of Korea, as well as assistance for the peaceful, political and diplomatic settlement of the problems of the Korean peninsula. We hope that the positive trends in the inter-Korean dialogue shall be further developed.

Most countries of the world consider Russia as an essential guarantor of global stability, as a defender of key principles of intergovernmental communication. We are open to close and equal cooperation with all who cherish peace and the right to determine independently the ways of their development.

In recent years there has been a growing trend on the international scene to resolve disputes from the posture of force. Demolition of the historically formed international security system is under way now. But nobody and never will force Russia to turn from the path of building a democratic, as well as economic and military strong power. And the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will be the reliable defender of security of our country forever.