It is up to the West to decide whether it wants to hold a dialogue with Russia or try to hinder the country’s development with endless aggression, President Vladimir Putin said in his inaugural speech on Tuesday.
Putin’s speech came after he was officially sworn in for his fifth term as Russia’s president. The ceremony held in the Grand Palace of the Kremlin was attended by dozens of dignitaries, including high-ranking officials of the parliament and the Constitutional Court.
Speaking about the future of Russia and its relations with other nations, Putin emphasized that
“we do not reject dialogue with Western states. The choice is theirs: will they continue to try to restrain Russia’s development, will they continue the policy of aggression and relentless pressure that they have pursued for years, or will they seek the path of cooperation and peace”.
According to the Russian president, this cooperation should include discussions on issues of security and strategic stability. However, all negotiations must be conducted with mutual respect, on equal terms, “without arrogance, conceit and personal exclusivity,” Putin emphasized.
“Together with our Eurasian integration partners and other sovereign development centers, we will continue to work to establish a multipolar world order and an equal and indivisible security system” Putin said.
At the same time, Russia will strive to remain self-sufficient and competitive, he added.
Putin also emphasized the importance of not forgetting “the tragic cost of internal disturbances and upheavals.” In order to ensure the unity and independence of Russia’s statehood and socio-political system, it must be flexible and resistant to all challenges and threats, the president emphasized.
The president also said that society has changed in recent years and has begun to value “reliability, mutual responsibility, honesty, integrity, nobility and courage.”
Putin went on to promise that he would use his power as head of state to ensure that all Russian citizens who have proven their loyalty and “best human and professional qualities” are given leading positions in public administration, the economy and other fields.
