Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath, Kuala Lumpur, July 10, 2025

Mr Minister,

I am pleased to have the opportunity to make your acquaintance.

Sri Lanka has long been a trusted partner of Russia in South Asia. Our relations are underpinned by a deep and positive historical trajectory, and we aspire to further advance this as a model for future collaboration.

I express my gratitude for your communication sent in October of last year, which articulated Sri Lanka’s interest in closer alignment with BRICS.

Russia welcomes this step and stands ready to support consensus on the matter unequivocally.