Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Responsible for relations with the Middle East and Africa, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other international Muslim organisations, cooperation with Russian Muslim organisations, as well as issues pertaining to the Middle East peace process
Born in 1952
1974: graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Fluent in Arabic and English
Since 1974: held various diplomatic posts in the central office of the Foreign Ministry and embassies abroad, including:
1974-1977: the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen
1977-1980: the Lebanese Republic
1983-1989, 1991-1994: the Syrian Arab Republic
1997-2002: Ambassador to the State of Israel
2002-2005: Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department
2005-2011: Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, concurrently Plenipotentiary Representative to the League of Arab States in Cairo
Since June 2011: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Since January 2012: Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East
Since October 2014: Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa
Holds the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Awarded the Orders "For Merit to the Fatherland" III and IV degrees, Alexander Nevsky, Honour, Friendship, the Certificate of Honour of the President of the Russian Federation, orders of foreign states, as well as a number of departmental and public awards. Awarded with thanks from the President of the Russian Federation. Honorary Worker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Married, with a son