Russian regions have significantly intensified cooperation with China, India and Arab countries in various spheres over the past year, while also maintaining comprehensive ties with post-Soviet republics, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.
"Over the past year, the most intense cooperation within the framework of the federal subjects [of Russia] was with the countries of the near abroad, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. The absolute majority of the subjects maintain close ties in all spheres with China. Interaction with India and Arab countries has intensified," Lavrov said at a meeting of the Council of Heads of the Russian Federal Subjects.
The top Russian diplomat added that the cultural potential of Russian regions should be used to bolster the country's collaboration with the BRICS nations.
Moreover, both in Europe and in the United States there are many people who "sympathize" with Russia, Lavrov said, adding that the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum held from November 16-18 "once again confirmed this convincingly."