Statement by representative of the Russian Federation Stepan Kuzmenkov at the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations
Distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
This year we mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and establishment of the United Nations. The 15th anniversary of the Alliance of Civilizations is among these momentous occasions. Since its founding in 2005 the Russian Federation has supported the work of the Alliance in realization of the key purpose of the UN to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. In order to achieve this aim States should strive for better unity in combating neo-Nazism, xenophobia and religious hatred.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the lack of confidence between different countries, ethnic and religious communities. We are confident that the international community will overcome the current crisis sooner or later. What we need today is to stop interference in internal affairs and refrain from politization of this problem.
Promotion of the intercultural and interreligious dialogue is one of the key areas for preventing civilizational divides and building cohesive societies. We believe that the positive impulse for the efforts in this sphere will be given by the International Conference of Heads of States, Parliamentarians and Representatives of the World Religions on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue for the Benefit of Peace and Mankind, which will be held in Russia in 2022 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union under the aegis of the United Nations. We appreciate the active engagement of the High Representative on the Alliance of Civilizations H.E. Mr. Miguel Moratinos in the preparation of this event.
Thanks for your attention.
