Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with faculty members and students of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in the capital, Moscow.

During the meeting, Lavrov spoke about Germany's decision to close Russia's Consulate General in Bonn. The Minister stated, "This is a disgusting decision made by the Germans. They closed our Consulate General in Bonn on a baseless pretext."

Conflict in Ukraine Must End in a Way That Leaves No Room for Nazism in Europe

Referring to the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov said, "The conflict in Ukraine must be ended in a way that leaves no room for Nazism in Europe. If we allow the current regime in Ukraine to remain in power, we will have betrayed those who defeated Nazism in 1945."

Lavrov emphasized that they are open to relations with Western countries, but these relations will not be as they were before. The Minister stated, "There will never be trust in the West, which deceived us in the past and now."

Situation in Iran

Referring to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, Lavrov noted the following:

"While these countries put forward such a concept in the form of a collective security and defense alliance, they emphasize that the doors are open to other countries as well. Moreover, not only countries in the Gulf, but Egypt's name is also frequently mentioned. I am sure that Algeria's interest will also contribute to this. At a certain stage, if this structure reaches an agreement on the conditions under which Iran can also participate in this process, this will be the most concrete step that can be taken in the direction of the concept we have put forward."

Lavrov pointed out that Israel is against this. He also emphasized the importance of including the US and Israel in consultations on security in the Middle East.

Minister Lavrov stated that the implementation of the North-South transport corridor project has slowed down due to the situation in Iran. However, he said that the project remains among their plans and will be implemented: "However, the project remains among our plans and will be implemented."