Russia to remain great power 15 years on: FM

In the next 15 years, Russia will remain a great power and its status on the international arena will continue to rise, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saidon Saturday.

In an interview published in the latest issue of Majordom magazine, Lavrov said a priority in Russia's foreign policy is to ensure socioeconomic development of the country, improve the people's wellbeing and create favorable conditions for the security of borders and for the businesses operating abroad.

Asked what countries will be on the list of big powers 15 yearslater, He said China, India, the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, and most of Latin American nations will likely be successful in their development.

Lavrov said Russia's potential is "comparable to the prospects that are opening to other countries."

Lavrov also stressed the importance of the economic component in modern diplomacy.

Source: Xinhua