− Ivan Kirillovich, in Russia, Diplomatic worker's day is celebrated annually on the 10th of February. What significance does this holiday have for you personally and for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a whole?
− Thank you for your question. For me personally, this professional holiday symbolises, first and foremost, the continuity of generations in the diplomatic service. This is a good opportunity to connect with mentors, congratulate subordinates, and exchange news with long-time colleagues who are now working in Moscow or at other overseas missions.
As you know, although Diplomatic worker's Day appeared on our calendar relatively recently − Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin signed the relevant decree in 2002 − Russian diplomacy has deep historical roots. Since the IX century, the Old Russian state has been an active participant in international relations in Europe. Thus, the mission to Constantinople in 838 was significant, where Rus' was first presented at the court of the Byzantine Emperor Theophilus as an independent state.
The date chosen for the holiday itself is associated with the earliest documentary mention, namely the 10th of February, 1549, of the Ambassadorial Office – the first centralised structure in the history of our country that was in charge of foreign affairs.
– What, in your opinion, should a modern diplomat be like? Have the requirements for the profession changed in recent years?
– In my opinion, at its core, diplomacy remains a profession where the key qualities are professionalism, erudition, responsibility, as well as the ability to conduct dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions even in the most difficult situations. Of course, specialists in the field of international relations must have an excellent command of foreign languages. These requirements are unchanged. At the same time, the world is changing rapidly. If one can put it this way, life itself is accelerating. Information pressure is intensifying, and new communication formats and challenges are emerging, ranging from cybersecurity to the climate agenda.
All this requires a diplomat to have a broad outlook and the ability to quickly adapt. A high level of proficiency in modern technologies and relevant software becomes a priority. But under any circumstances, the primary duty of those who choose this path remains loyalty to fundamental principles: the protection of national interests, respect for international law, and a willingness to engage in honest and equal dialogue. It is important to be able to firmly defend the position of your country while maintaining a culture of communication and a sense of proportion. However, having a healthy sense of humour in our work will not be superfluous. After all, a well-timed joke can melt the ice of misunderstanding much faster than heated negotiations. I have witnessed this myself more than once.
– How is the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs adapting to the new conditions? Has artificial intelligence technology already been implemented into its work?
(Smiles) For now we are coping with the resources of natural intelligence. Seriously speaking, our foreign policy department is, of course, constantly evolving, and its employees regularly acquire new skills. In general, we are not lagging behind from life. For example, digital diplomacy tools have long been part of our everyday life, actively used to promote Russian approaches to international affairs.
The structure of the Ministry is also being restructured to meet current realities: in 2019, the Department of international information security was established, in 2022, the Department of multilateral humanitarian cooperation and cultural relations was established, and in 2025, a separate Department of partnership with Africa began operating. Existing units are also adapting to current conditions. Thus, the Department of pan-European cooperation became known as the Department of European affairs, and the Department of North America was transformed into the Department of the North Atlantic.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that educational programs and advanced training courses for future and current Russian diplomats are constantly being developed. They reflect topics that are currently on the lips of everyone: generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, big data processing, and many others. Many of my colleagues, especially the younger ones, are already actively applying the knowledge they have gained in practice.
– Russian diplomacy is often spoken of as a serious school with rich traditions. How relevant are they today?
I am convinced that the best traits of Russian diplomats of both past and present generations have always been and will always be enlightened patriotism, high professional culture, and a deep understanding of the national interests of their homeland. This is what is of lasting importance and forms the foundation on which our service is built.
Regarding Diplomatic worker's Day, it should be noted that in recent years, a certain ceremonial component has developed around this holiday in Russia. On the 10th of February, a ceremonial meeting will be held in our high-rise building on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square, during which Russian Foreign Minister S.V. Lavrov will deliver a welcoming speech. On this day, distinguished employees are presented with departmental and state awards. Flowers are laid at the memorial plaques in the Ministry building bearing the names of our colleagues who fell on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War, as well as those who died in the line of duty during peacetime and during the years of repression.
In addition, to mark the holiday, all Russian diplomatic missions abroad hold ceremonial meetings, organise festive programs, and organise protocol events. I want to assure you that the Embassy in Ashgabat is no exception; we have a lot of plans for the entire next week. Follow the news on our social networks.
− Ivan Kirillovich, final question. You have been working in Turkmenistan for several years now. Please, share your impressions.
Indeed, I have been working in Ashgabat for more than 2,5 years now, and it is a great honour for me to represent interests of Russia on the hospitable Turkmen soil.
Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions. I enjoy traveling around the country. Not long ago, I visited for the first time the city of Serhetabat in the Mary velayat, which was once known as Gushgy.
The most important thing is that here I met wonderful people and felt the incredible warmth and hospitality of the brotherly Turkmen people. Especially, my wife and I value the good, friendly relations we have developed with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ashgabat.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the President of Turkmenistan, the highly respected Serdar Gurbangulyyevich Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the highly respected Gurbanguly Malikgulyyevich Berdimuhamedov, for the wonderful conditions for work and everyday life created in the country.
I would like to note that the professional holidays of the diplomatic services of Russia and Turkmenistan are chronologically close and follow each other. This is how it happened historically. In this regard, I am pleased to congratulate the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the highly respected Rashid Ovezgeldiyevich Meredov, and all our colleagues from the Ministry of foreign affairs of Turkmenistan on their upcoming professional holiday – Diplomatic worker's Day of Turkmenistan, celebrated here on the 18th of February, is celebrated and we wish them good health and new achievements.
I would also like to wish the entire editorial staff of the electronic newspaper «Golden age» success and prosperity. I am grateful for our communication and cooperation.
