🗓 On February 27, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the opening ceremony of the 2nd Congress of the International Russophile Movement in Moscow.

The event at the Lomonosov Innovation Centre of Moscow State University brought together foreign delegates from more than 130 countries, united by a friendly disposition towards Russia, interest in its cultural and historical heritage, as well as a commitment to traditional values and confidence in the right of peoples to preserve their national identity. The event was attended by Russian government officials, political and public figures, and representatives of science and culture.

Sergey Lavrov delivered a welcoming speech and read out a message from Russia's President Vladimir Putin to the participants of the congress.

ℹ️ The Congress brings together representatives of public organisations, politics, culture, and business who advocate for closer relations with Russia and against Russophobia. The movement organises thematic conferences, seminars, art and literary competitions in Russian, maintains monuments associated with Russia in proper condition, publishes books by Russian authors abroad, promotes the study of the Russian language, and promotes horizontal ties and contacts through public diplomacy.