By Patson Chilemba
Russia’s Ambassador to Zambia Dr Azim Yarakhmedov says the world was unfortunately seeing a trend where “might makes right.”
Speaking on the occasion of the professional diplomatic holiday, which falls due tomorrow in Russia’s calendar, Dr Yarakhmedov stated that diplomacy was, first and foremost, a tool for seeking compromises based on a balance of interests.
He stated that Russia confirmed its commitment to peaceful solution at various levels, emphasizing that any negotiation process must be based on the recognition of objective geopolitical realities and long-term guarantees for our country security.
”A detailed answer to Your question can be found in the remarks made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, at a press conference on January 20, 2026, available on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry,” Dr Yarakhmedov stated. “In particular, the Minister stressed that we are currently witnessing ‘profound’ shifts in the entire global architecture. In fact, we are unfortunately seeing a trend where ‘might makes right.’ Conceptually, the vision of current events and the development of specific processes in the sphere of global governance are constantly changing.”
He stated that the consequences of such a policy were being felt not only by the states of the Global South and East but also by Western countries themselves, where crisis tendencies wre accumulating.
”Russia consistently advocates the universal application of generally accepted norms of international law. The key principles here are sovereign equality, mutual respect, and the search for a balance of interests,” he stated. “These are absolute, enduring truths when it comes to conducting affairs in the international arena – whether one calls them ‘rules’ or ‘international law.'”
He stated that the holiday occupied an important place in the state calendar and carried deep historical significance.
”This professional day was officially established by a Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2002. The historical significance of this date is truly unique, as it traces back to February 10, 1549 – the date of the first archival mention of the Ambassadorial Department (Posolsky Prikaz), the first state body tasked with handling Russian foreign affairs,” Dr Yarakhmedov stated. “… this date symbolizes the continuity of generations and underscores that Russia has been shaping its policy as a sovereign power for many centuries. The holiday embodies the unbreakable link between eras and the succession of generations of diplomats who, over the centuries, have strengthened the country international prestige.
He expressed gratitude to the entire staff of the Embassy and their colleagues in Moscow for their loyalty to duty and their diligent work.
”To the young people who have chosen this challenging path, I wish persistence in acquiring knowledge and the understandings that diplomacy is, above all, service to one state, requiring self-sacrifice and constant self-improvement,” stated Amb Yarakhmedov. “The same words and wishes can also be addressed to our friends and colleagues – Zambian diplomats.”
