Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that he had signed a decree that approves a new Russian foreign policy concept.
"Cardinal changes in the international arena have required us to seriously adjust key strategic planning documents," the Russian leader said.
The new concept reflects the revoluntionary advances in international affairs, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. It envisages a possibility of introducing retaliatory symmtrical or asymmetrical measures.
What Does Russia's New Foreign Policy Concept Say?
In February, the Russian leadership noted that the new foreign policy concept would focus on suspending the west's monopoly on shaping the framework of international relations.
In this regard, in line with the new concept, Russia will help reduce the ability of unfriendly countries to abuse their position in the global economy.
"Russia will help reduce the ability of unfriendly states to abuse their monopoly or dominant position in certain areas of the global economy and expand the participation of developing states in global economic governance," the document reads.
Russia Not Enemy of West
"Russia does not consider itself an enemy of the West, does not isolate itself from it, does not have hostile intentions towards it, counts on its realization of the futility of confrontation with Russia, the acceptance of multipolar realities, and a return over time to interaction based on the principles of sovereign equality and respect for interests," the concept reads.
Deepening Ties With India and China of Great Importance to Russia
"Of particular importance for Russia is the comprehensive deepening of ties and coordination with friendly sovereign global centers of power — China and India, the document reads.
"Russia intends to actively develop cooperation in all areas with its allies and partners, to stop attempts by unfriendly countries to prevent such cooperation," the concept reads.
At the same time, Russia's attitude towards other countries will be determined by the policies they pursue in regard to Moscow.
Russia Interested in Maintaining Strategic Parity and Peaceful Coexistence With US
"Russia is interested in maintaining strategic parity, peaceful coexistence with the United States and establishing a balance of interests between Russia and the United States, taking into account their status as the largest nuclear powers, special responsibility for strategic stability and the state of international security in general," the concept read, adding that Russia's policy towards the United States is of a "combined" nature.
At the same time, "Russia considers the US course as the main source of anti-Russian policy and risks for its security, international peace, and the balanced and fair development of mankind," the concept reads.
"In order to facilitate the adaptation of the world order to the realities of a multipolar world, Russia intends to prioritize the elimination of remnants of dominance by the United States and other unfriendly states in world affairs, the creation of conditions for the abandonment of any state from neo-colonial and hegemonic ambitions,” the concept reads.
Russia to Defend Right to Existence by All Available Means
Russia will defend its right to existence by all available means in response to the West’s unfriendly actions, according to a new foreign policy concept.
"In response to the unfriendly actions of the West, Russia intends to defend its right to existence and free development by all available means," the document reads.
Russia will also protect its national interests, creating conditions for the termination of unfriendly actions of European countries, the concept added.
Russia will also protect its national interests, creating conditions for the termination of unfriendly actions of European countries, the concept added.
Russia’s Major Goal to Create Peace in Eurasia
"The flagship project of Russia in the 21st century is the transformation of Eurasia into a single all-continental space of peace, stability, mutual trust, development and prosperity," the concept reads.
"Russia is striving to form such a system of international relations that would ensure reliable security, the preservation of cultural and civilization identity, and equal development opportunities for all states," the concept adds.