Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov at the farewell ceremony with Vitaly Churkin
Dear friends,
We bid farewell to our friend, an outstanding diplomat of our times, who achieved the utmost everywhere he was posted by his Motherland. All of us, diplomats at the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, understand that this is a tribute to our profession.
Vitaly was a highly qualified professional. Moreover, one can see how popular he was among the people. Internet is full of kind pictures and phrases about Vitaly’s work at the UN. I am sure this will remain in the national history.
The official history is sure to remember Vitaly Churkin as a great diplomat who contributed not only to the Russian diplomacy but also to the foreign policy of our country.
We must do everything to preserve the memory of our friend. There are already certain proposals from the public and from foreign states. We will ensure that it is worthy of his feat that he deserved throughout his life.
Of course, we express our most sincere condolences and sympathy to Irina and the children, Nastya and Maxim, as well as to all the nearest and dearest of Vitaly.
May he rest in peace.
