Dear Excellency’s,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Friends

I want to thank you on behalf of myself, the Russian Representative to WTO and our Сonsul-general for yours today`s visit to the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the united Nations Office in Geneva to celebrate together  our main national holyday -  Russia Day. I enjoy the fact that in Geneva Russia has so many friends.

A new democratic Russia is on the rise in spite of all the difficulties and problems. I have no doubt that this positive dynamic will continue. This year successful Presidential elections were held and New National Goals and Strategic Objectives were announced. The Russian Government will full it`s promises to ensure the growth of population and their life expectancy, of real wages and pensions. At the same time there will be an acceleration of technological development and introduction of digital technologies in the economy and the social sphere. All of these measures will take Russia into the top five largest economies, ensure economic growth and cut poverty in half.

I will also particular note that the Russian Federation as the continuator of the USSR is a founding member of the UN. Russia is an active player in the UN – one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council – the body, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

The situation in the world today is not an easy one. New threats constantly emerge. International terrorism, cross border disasters, global economic changes call for uniting the efforts of different states.

Russia consistently stands for the strengthening of fundamental legal principles of international relations in a polycentric and interdependent world. We are always for a united effort of all the states to combat global terrorism, to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals, to solve global humanitarian problems and to defend and promote human rights.

Ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank specifically the authorities of Switzerland and of the canton Geneva for their hospitality and the excellent conditions, that they created for the working here diplomats and their families. I can only wish that the international status of Geneva will continue to be highly valued and be strengthened in the world.

In just a week literally the main sport event of this year the 21^st World Cup is scheduled to take place in Russia. All of the stadiums, airports, hotels and infrastructure are ready and waiting to receive the football fans. I would like to use this opportunity to inform you that the Russian mission with the support of other countries will organize the live broadcast of all the football matches in the Palais des Nations. We invite you all to witness the opening ceremony 21^st World Cup at the Serpant cafeteria the 14^th of June, where a UN football fanzone will be created!

Once more I would like to congratulate you on Russia Day!

In conclusion I have a toast - to Russia, to the Russian people, to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

And now, as we say in Russia, without any further due, please have a taste of our hospitality. I hope you will be able to duly appreciate not only Russian traditional cuisine and drinks but also the possibility for a friendly socializing. Welcome!