MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy which meets national interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
"Russia will continue to pursue an independent, multivector foreign policy corresponding to the national interests, ensuring the country's sovereignty, its security and strengthening its positions in today's competitive world," Lavrov said, speaking in the State Duma.
Following the reunification of Crimea with Russia in March 2014 and an escalation of the Ukrainian crisis later that year, Russia's relations with the West deteriorated.
In light of the situation, Russia strengthened its ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and increased cooperation with BRICS emerging economies and Eurasian Economic Union member states. Alongside of Russia's global moves, Moscow has consistently remained open for dialogue with the West.
