The diplomat spoke with representatives of civil society at the Sambek Heights sculpture complex, in the Rostov region, about the importance of the upcoming votes to elect the deputies of the State Duma (Lower House of the Russian Parliament).

He stated that the interests of Russia for the future require not succumbing to the provocations of the West ‘and following the course that our people chose and that will take place after the next electoral campaign in September’.

Lavrov pointed out that the main task of Russia’s foreign policy is to create the best possible external conditions for internal development, increase the well-being of the population and guarantee the rights of Russian citizens and companies in the international arena.

The votes will take place in Russia on September 17th, 18th and 19th to select the legislators of the Lower House, the governors of 12 regions and the deputies of the parliamentary bodies of state power in 39 territories of the country.

Lavrov is listed as a candidate on the federal part of the United Russia party list at the proposal of President Vladimir Putin.

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