Sergei Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Background
Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation since 2004, making him the country’s longest-serving foreign minister since the Soviet era. In this role, he heads Russia’s foreign ministry, represents the state in high-level diplomatic contacts, and helps shape the country’s positions on major international issues. He remains one of the most prominent figures in Russian foreign affairs and a central channel for Moscow’s relations with other governments and multilateral organizations.
Born on 21 March 1950, Lavrov graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1972 and entered the Soviet diplomatic service soon afterward. He began his career in Sri Lanka and later served in the Soviet Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York from 1981 to 1988. In the late 1980s he became deputy director and then director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations, before being appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1992.
From 1994 to 2004, Lavrov served as Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he became known for forcefully defending Russian interests during international crises, including the Kosovo War and the Iraq invasion. His later tenure as foreign minister has been closely associated with the foreign policy line pursued under President Vladimir Putin, including active diplomacy in the United Nations and other international forums. He has also been publicly involved in discussions with foreign counterparts on regional security issues, including calls for de-escalation and negotiated settlements in the Middle East.
Timeline
Lavrov discussed the Iran situation with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in a telephone conversation.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. JaishankarLavrov and Jaishankar supported SCO and BRICS efforts aimed at de-escalation and a sustainable settlement of the Iran situation.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. JaishankarSergei Lavrov discussed the conflict involving Iran with Oman’s foreign minister and urged de-escalation.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-BusaidiSergei Lavrov warned against drawing Gulf states into the conflict involving Iran.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-BusaidiSergei Lavrov said Russia was ready to help broker a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi
Documents
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif Al-Zayani
Lavrov and Bahrain's FM discussed the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, jointly calling for an immediate ceasefire, negotiations, and condemning strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. Jaishankar
Lavrov and Indian FM Jaishankar discussed the Iran situation in a phone call, backing SCO and BRICS efforts toward de-escalation and a sustainable settlement.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi
Lavrov and Oman's FM discussed the conflict involving Iran, urging de-escalation and warning against drawing Gulf states in, with Russia offering to help broker a diplomatic solution.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed
Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister bin Zayed called for immediate de-escalation around Iran and agreed to coordinate positions at the UN on long-term regional security.
Meeting with Permanent Members of the Security Council
Putin chaired a Security Council meeting on strengthening Russia's constitutional order, with Justice Minister Chuichenko delivering the main report.