Minister Lavrov reacted to Germany’s decision to close Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn during a meeting with faculty members and students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
Lavrov argued that Germany had taken the step on the basis of an unfounded justification and strongly criticized Berlin’s stance.
The conflict in Ukraine and relations with the West
Assessing the conflict in Ukraine, Lavrov said the process must end in a way that leaves no room for Nazism in Europe. He argued that allowing the current administration to remain in power would amount to a betrayal of those who defeated Nazism in 1945.
Lavrov said they were open to relations with Western countries but stated that those relations would not continue in their previous form. He said Russia would not trust the West, which he believes deceived Russia in the past and continues to do so.
Participation of other countries in the Mecca agreement
Lavrov said the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement, signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, was established on the basis of collective security and a defense alliance. He said the agreement had also been left open to the participation of other countries.
Lavrov said that, in addition to the Gulf countries, Egypt had also been mentioned, adding that Algeria’s interest could contribute to the process. He noted that if agreement were reached on the terms of Iran’s participation, this would constitute a concrete step in line with that security framework.
Lavrov said Israel opposed this approach. He stated that it was important to include the United States and Israel in security consultations in the Middle East.
The North–South Corridor will remain in the plans
Lavrov said the situation in Iran had slowed the implementation of the North–South Transport Corridor project, but stated that the project would retain its place in Russia’s plans and would be implemented.
