Statement by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr. Andrey Rudenko at the Foreign Ministers' meeting within the framework of the Dialogue on Cooperation in Asia
Dear Mr. Chair!
Dear Mr. Secretary General!
Dear colleagues!
I am glad to see you at the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). During the upcoming 3rd ACD Summit in Qatar, the Doha declaration devoted to the issue of sports diplomacy is to be adopted.
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of returning the sports movement to its roots, to the spirit of the Olympic Charter. We need to oppose the usage of “double standards” and ensure equal access to competitions. It is necessary to improve the functioning of international sports organizations in order to build a system of mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for human rights.
We believe it is important to pay attention to new formats of sport tournaments, including innovative ones. In February-March this year, our country hosted the first “Games of the Future” in phygital disciplines (more than 1.8 thousand athletes from 116 countries). Their underlying philosophy promotes balanced and harmonious personal growth through the development of both computer skills and physical training. In June BRICS Sports Games (almost 5.5 thousand athletes from 82 countries), within the framework of the Russian chairmanship in this platform, were organized for the first time in a format open to other participants. In addition, the VII International Sports Games "Children of Asia" (2 thousand athletes from 24 countries) – a unique tournament uniting young athletes – took place in the summer.
In October, we expect partners from the ACD at the XII International Forum "Russia - a sports power", where we will exchange opinions on the creation of modern and accessible specialized infrastructure, the improvement of sports law, and the popularization of national sports.
Dear colleagues!
An increasing number of Asian countries are turning into global economic and technical centers. The countries of the Global South are striving to strengthen their sovereignty and cultural identity, and to conduct an independent policy. This leads to the formation of a multipolar world order and an international environment that is more responsive to the needs of all states.
In development of our discussions at the ACD Ministerial Meeting in Tehran in June, I would like to recall an initiative put forward by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for a common movement towards the creation of safe and resilient continent-wide cooperation architecture in Eurasia. It will be open to all interested Eurasian states. Its implementation is aimed at preventing the fragmentation of Eurasia into opposing blocs. It is proposed to move forward by establishing a dialogue on those dimensions that are of interest to specific participants – through strengthening and linking existing and creating new mechanisms of interaction.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Iran for its fruitful work as the Chair of the ACD and wish Qatar and all of us a successful Summit in Doha.
