Ludmila Davydova

On February 10, the Day of the Diplomatic Worker of Russia is celebrated for the tenth time. Prior to this professional holiday, established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of October 31, 2002, the Russian Foreign Ministry had already existed for 200 years. It was on February 10, 1549 that the earliest mention of the Ambassadorial Order, the first foreign policy department of Russia, falls. And the Russian Foreign Ministry itself dates back to 1802, when a new diplomatic department was formed by Emperor Alexander I. But these are the most important milestones, history itself Russian diplomacy much more ancient and goes back to the first significant bilateral act of the 9th century - the Treaty "On Peace and Love" with the Byzantine Empire in 860, as a result of which Rus' for the first time received international recognition.

Business, predictable, initiative partner

There are a great many important and significant milestones in the history of Russian diplomacy, as well as the names of great diplomats who glorified it. One thing is certain - through all the years and centuries it carries an enviable image of a businesslike, predictable and enterprising partner. After all, the work of a diplomat is difficult, regardless of where he works, he always faces “global” tasks in the host country: to represent his country at a decent level and to improve interstate relations.

By the end of the 15th century, specific diplomacy gave way to autocracy, and by the middle of the 16th century, new horizons and opportunities opened up for the country. The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire sent his ambassadors to Moscow. Russian diplomats became frequent guests in European countries. Considered with Russia and in the East. It was turning into an influential power with an active international policy. It was then that the Ambassadorial order arose. Since that time, the diplomatic service has been separated into a special branch government controlled and received a special status.

In 1718-1720, the Ambassadorial Prikaz was transformed into the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, during which a galaxy of talented diplomats grew up. And in 1802, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was formed by the Manifesto of Emperor Alexander I.

Since the emergence of a unified Russian state, one of the permanent goals of the country's foreign policy has been the desire to enter the wide expanse of international relations, "to live in full harmony with all governments," as one of the most brilliant Russian foreign ministers A.M. Gorchakov (1856-1882).

A diplomat is a guarantee of normal, peaceful communication between states

Russian diplomacy late XIX century was unusually active in posing questions, and it was she who stood at the origins of many collective undertakings. Suffice it to recall her efforts to convene and hold the Hague peace conferences in 1899 and 1907. Here, paraphrasing the classics, we can say that a diplomat is needed so that the guns do not “talk”, for normal, peaceful communication between states.

Self-sacrifice, fidelity to duty, love for the Motherland are the eternal attributes of a Russian diplomat. The death of the famous writer and diplomat, the author of the Turk-Manchai peace treaty with Persia A. Griboyedov, the Russian imperial consul in Bitola A. Rostkovsky, who did a lot to protect the southern Slavs, who were then under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, diplomatic courier T. Nette - a list of many dozens employees of the Russian and Soviet diplomatic services who died in peacetime in the line of duty can be continued.

Russia has always acted as an independent political force, but at the same time it has never withdrawn from participation in world political processes, has not built “great Chinese walls”, but rather tried to “cut a window” to its neighbors. This was done not only during the time of the Great Embassy of Peter I, but also at the Genoa and Lausanne conferences, despite the unwillingness of their hosts not only to listen to the voice of the young Soviet Russia, but also to provide its representatives with at least guarantees of life safety, which resulted in the death of V. Vorovsky. Namely, at the Genoa Conference, G. Chicherin, who followed the Russian diplomatic tradition, proclaimed the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutually beneficial cooperation between states with different social systems, the supremacy of diplomatic methods and “moral authority” over violent methods that are still relevant today.

The responsibility and fidelity to duty of Russian diplomats manifested themselves especially clearly during the years of the Great Patriotic War when almost half of the employees of the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs went to the front. But even in these difficult conditions, Soviet diplomats managed to build up with countries that had difficult relations with Soviet Union, a single anti-Hitler coalition, without which the victory over fascism would have cost even more.

In addition, Soviet diplomacy played a significant role in the process of the collapse of the fascist bloc. The USSR envoy to Sweden A. Kollontai saved more than one thousand human lives, conducting difficult, but extremely important negotiations with Finland, which fought on the side of Germany, through intermediaries. The result of this was the internment of an entire group of Nazi troops on Finnish territory.

Immediately after the war, Soviet diplomacy took an active part in the creation of the United Nations.

Seeking an understanding of its policy, Russia strives for a dialogue in which, above all, it is ready to listen and understand the other side. And this is the continuity of the traditional values ​​of the Russian diplomatic service, which have become the basis of modern Russian diplomacy.

Word to famous people in Lithuania:

Juozas BUDRAYTIS, People's Artist of Lithuania, diplomat:

I had to communicate with many Russian diplomats when I was the cultural attache of the Lithuanian Embassy in Russia. Most of the contacts were, of course, in the field of culture, but the impression is firm - high-quality Russian diplomacy has strong roots and traditions. Their foundation was laid back in the time of Peter I. Russian diplomats have always been famous for their professionalism. The young diplomats with whom I had to communicate at the Diplomatic Academy are brought up on these glorious traditions, they have something to learn for development in their work. I know that the Russian Foreign Ministry is very demanding on the professional training of diplomats. A strong school in the diplomatic field helps the country achieve success in business. And we know that the voice of Russia has always been significant in international politics. Lithuania is a young country, it also has its own traditions, our cooperation with Russia is developing and benefiting our countries.

Working in Russia, I felt on the part of its diplomats, with whom I had to communicate, exceptional benevolence and responsiveness. I was allowed to get acquainted with the documents of Y. Baltrushaitis in the archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was personally acquainted with some Russian ambassadors and, I must say, communication with representatives of this diplomatic school was useful for me.

Russia - big country, and it boasts of its culture, its diplomacy, its history. We can say that there is a lot to learn.

I would like to wish Russian diplomats further development the flourishing of their professionalism. I would like good cooperation between the diplomats of Russia and Lithuania, so that our relations are friendly, agreements in various areas are successful, personal contacts that help diplomats in their work are warm and useful.

Vityanis ANDRIUKAYTIS, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs:

Russian diplomacy has always been deeply intellectual, based on the classical diplomatic traditions of Europe, fluent in different languages, was at a high European level. This is one of the strongest diplomatic schools, along with the diplomacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, France, German Empire.

Russian diplomacy is still weighty, active and significant in the world. The diplomatic corps of Russia has always been famous for its powerful analytical apparatus, its resources, capabilities, and human qualities. So strong traditions and modern achievements can enter the treasury of world diplomacy.

I would like to wish Russian diplomacy to continue its glorious traditions, work for the benefit of Russia and all mankind, and, as the classic said, "sow the reasonable, the good, the eternal." After all, why does the world need diplomacy? To avoid wars, conflicts, hate speech, etc. So that diplomats always have in their hands, on the one hand, Holy Bible, on the other - Dove of Peace.

Prof. Dr. Kazimira PRUNSKIENE, First Prime Minister of independent Lithuania, Chairman of the Lithuanian People's Party:

This is a holiday not only for Russia, its diplomatic service, the system of foreign relations, but also for countries that have diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. This applies even more so to the neighbors, to the Republic of Lithuania, which has a common border and experience of many years of significant cooperation with the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation.

The larger, stronger and more influential a country, the more important its diplomacy plays in the world community. When foreign policy is oriented towards the peaceful coexistence of countries, stable security and cooperation, diplomacy is the most important tool.

I sincerely congratulate the Russian diplomatic service, diplomats of the Embassy Russian Federation in Lithuania with a professional holiday. I wish that the activity of diplomats is modern and peaceful Russia successfully continued to make a significant contribution to peaceful transformations and the best traditions of coexistence between the countries of Europe, Asia and the entire world community.

Andrey FOMIN, Chairman of the Republican Council of Russian Compatriots:

The Russian diplomatic service has centuries-old and rich traditions of selfless service to the Fatherland. For more than a thousand years of history, it has played an outstanding role in the development Russian state, international relations and connections and in shaping the modern world image.

Modern Russian diplomacy firmly adheres to the principles of respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and regions. However, it just as resolutely opposes any aggression and injustice that threatens the life and safety of people, actively defends universal human values.

It is especially pleasing that last years The Russian Foreign Ministry pays attention to work with compatriots, and it conducts it very delicately and benevolently. The position of Russian diplomacy has become partnership with organizations and associations of compatriots, based on respect for their civil rights, support for cultural and humanitarian initiatives, concern for preserving the phenomena of Russian and multinational Russian culture in different countries. It is unlikely that many large-scale and serious cultural projects: festivals, holidays, Days of Culture, conferences would be feasible in Lithuania without the benevolent and disinterested support of Russian diplomatic missions.

On the Day of the Diplomatic Worker, I would like to sincerely congratulate the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Lithuania V.V. Chkhikvadze, all the employees of the Embassy and the Consulate General of Russia in Klaipeda and wish them great success in their difficult, but very noble and responsible service for the benefit of the Fatherland - Russia.

Arturas ZUOKAS, Mayor of Vilnius:

I have always admired how beautiful cooperation between the peoples of Lithuania and Russia can be, regardless of the recklessly politicized escalation of Lithuanian-Russian relations. One does not need to look far for evidence of this - the Russian national community, the second largest in the capital, is one of the most active organizers of various cultural events. Vilnius maintains international relations with Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, with which we exchange delegations, share experience, and develop cultural cooperation.

I am glad that at the end of last year a monument to the famous stage designer, graphic artist and artist of the 20th century Mstislav Dobuzhinsky was unveiled in Vilnius, in the summer we celebrated the Day of Russia together at the festival in Vingis Park, and in the winter this year for the first time we left a New Year tree on the Cathedral Square to celebrate Orthodox Christmas together.

I believe that friendship and cooperation between our peoples will continue to develop, that they will become even closer.

Modestas PAULAUSKAS, Olympic champion, world and European champion:

The work of Russian diplomacy, its traditions and professionalism are admirable. Lithuania and Russia are close neighbors, we have a lot in common in history, we were related by different stages of life - joyful and sad, so we can judge this firsthand. I always think that as neighbors we should communicate even more intensely and openly. Thanks to the activities of Russian diplomats, this is becoming more and more real - there are preferential regimes for crossing borders, athletes can actively communicate, improve their skills, make friends and thus support progress and peace. For example, recently another basketball match took place in Moscow as part of the VTB United League, initiated by Russia. Athletes were given a very warm and cordial welcome.

I would like to wish Russian diplomats continued success in their difficult work.

Diplomats are often valued much more than politicians and functionaries. In Russia, the diplomatic service has always been on a special account, although not everyone knows its most prominent representatives. We are talking about people who determined the face of the country for the outside world and on whom the issues of war and peace depended.

The diplomatic career of Andrei Andreyevich Gromyko began with the preparation of the Tehran, Potsdam and Yalta conferences, and ended almost at the very highest point- when he combined the posts of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council and Deputy Head of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. He headed the Soviet delegation at the conference on the creation of the UN in 1944, then was the first permanent representative of the USSR at the organization, then - the first deputy head of the Foreign Ministry, ambassador to Great Britain. Gromyko headed the ministry in 1957 and led it for 28 long years. It was the time of the arms race and attempts to stop it, the time of the Cuban crisis and steps to prevent nuclear war, which resulted in the signing of the corresponding agreement in 1973.

In the West, Gromyko was called "Mr. No"

In the West, Gromyko was called "Mr. No" - like Molotov - for his tough negotiating style. However, they note that it was a whole art of exhausting the enemy, which made it possible to negotiate the most significant concessions.

Prince Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov devoted his entire life to the diplomatic service. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs under Alexander II in 1856 after a humiliating defeat for Russia in Crimean War when it was necessary to rethink the very principles of relations with foreign countries.

Prince Gorchakov eventually became the personification of the turn from so-called "noble internationalism" to the principle of protecting national interests. Its motto is "Russia Focuses". His main goals at the beginning of the work was the abolition of the most dangerous restrictions imposed on Russia - in particular, the ban on having a navy in the Black Sea. At the same time, Gorchakov determined the priority course for further foreign policy in the light of the German threat - an alliance with France. For 26 years, he literally transformed the ministry and gave the diplomatic service the look that it retained until the October Revolution.

Gorchakov was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs under Alexander II

One of the legends of Russian diplomacy is Count Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin. In 1720, he was appointed a resident in Denmark, and four years later he obtained from the Danish king the recognition of Peter I as Emperor. Along with this important political success, Russia received the right to conduct duty-free ships from the Baltic to the North Sea through the Sound.

Bestuzhev-Ryumin then served in Hamburg, was Ambassador Extraordinary to Lower Saxony. As a result, he rose to the title of count, Elizabeth appointed him Chancellor Russian Empire and President of the College of Foreign Affairs. Bestuzhev-Ryumin actually carried out the entire foreign policy of the empire. By the way, he owned Stone Island at the mouth of the Neva.

Bestuzhev-Ryumin was Ambassador Extraordinary to Lower Saxony

Ivan Mikhailovich Viskovaty is called the first official diplomat of Russia. He served as the first clerk of the Ambassadorial Order, which was created by Ivan the Terrible in 1549.

It is from the foundation of this institution that the history of the Russian diplomatic service is counted. Ivan Viskovaty was one of the people closest to the tsar. He was a confidant of the sovereign in the matter of succession to the throne. He advocated an attack on Livonia, which marked the beginning of the Livonian War, and then negotiated with the Livonian ambassadors. Under him, an alliance was signed with Denmark, a twenty-year truce with Sweden. However, like many powerful people from the entourage of Ivan the Terrible, Ivan Mikhailovich fell into disfavor very easily. On suspicion of involvement in the boyar conspiracy, the head of the Ambassadorial order was executed on July 25, 1570.

Ivan Viskovaty is called the first official diplomat of Russia

One of the most famous Russian diplomats to the general public is famous for his literature. This is Alexander Griboyedov. He entered the service of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs as an interpreter in 1817, he was almost immediately assigned to the Russian mission in the United States, but Griboyedov refused.

Then he was appointed to the post of secretary to the royal chargé d'affaires of Persia. There were long business trips to Tehran and Tiflis. At this time, he writes "Woe from Wit." While working in Persia and the Caucasus, Griboyedov learned Arabic, Turkish, Georgian and Persian. He participated in the conclusion of the Turkmanchay peace treaty, which ended the Russian-Persian war in 1828, personally delivered the treatise to St. Petersburg and was appointed ambassador to Iran. On January 30, 1829, during a trip for an official presentation to the Shah, a rebellious crowd attacked the diplomats. Everyone who was at the embassy was killed, except for the secretary Ivan Maltsov.

Griboedov participated in the conclusion of the Turkmanchay peace treaty

For objective reasons, Russia's ties with the United States of America, which for the foreseeable future will remain the world's most powerful economic and technological power, have a priority character for objective reasons. International security and the effectiveness of the efforts of the world community in the fight against new common threats depend on the situation in Russian-American relations. There are six Russian diplomatic missions on the territory, including the Russian mission to the UN.

Of strategic importance for Russia are relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR), which have become locomotives of the world economy. Ties with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region are especially important for the recovery of the economy of Russia's eastern regions. Integration processes are gaining momentum in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia is actively strengthening ties with and other countries, participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, developing partnerships with the Association of States South-East Asia(ASEAN) and other regional organizations. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes Russia, China and the states of Central Asia, has become a factor of stability in Asia.

Russia has a wide network of missions throughout Asia, including four in each of such large states as India, China,. Maintaining ties both with and with the Palestinian National Autonomy, Russia is making active efforts to unblock the Middle East conflict and is a member of the international "quartet" of mediators.
It is in the interests of Russia to restore and expand ties with the countries of Africa and Latin America that followed a period of their definite weakening in the 1990s. These ties, in particular, are important for the implementation of a number of the country's economic tasks and Russia's participation in solving key international problems. A strong impetus to the development of relations with the countries of Africa south of the Sahara was given by the first ever visit to this region of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin in 2006. Russia's interaction with many African and Latin American countries is based on long traditions and closeness of foreign policy views.

Strengthening the representation of Russia and expanding its geography is dictated by the urgent needs of the country and the need to protect the interests of Russian citizens. Broad international relations create favorable conditions for the development of the country's economy and the strengthening of national security.

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Researchers continue to argue about what event became the starting point in the history of Russian diplomacy. Officially, the date of the formation of the Ambassadorial Order - February 10, 1549, was taken as the basis for the establishment of the Day of the Diplomatic Worker.

However, diplomacy as an instrument of foreign policy was born with the advent of the early feudal Russian state with its centers in Kyiv and Veliky Novgorod. The first representative body of the interests of Rus' was the embassy in Constantinople, which was opened in 838.

In 839, the Russian embassy was established in Frankish kingdom. One of the first international legal acts Ancient Rus' was the treaty "On Peace and Love" with the Byzantine Empire, according to which Constantinople was obliged to pay tribute to Kyiv.

In the IX-XI centuries East Slavic tribes they constantly fought with their neighbors - Byzantium and the nomadic southern peoples (Khazars, Pechenegs, Polovtsians). Of great importance for the development of statehood (and, as a result, diplomacy) was the baptism of Rus' in 988. According to legend, Prince Vladimir made a choice in favor of Christianity after a conversation with foreign ambassadors.

• "Grand Duke Vladimir chooses faith" (unknown author, 1822)

In the 11th century, Rus' turned into an influential player in the European arena. The practice of dynastic marriages contributed to the expansion of contacts with the Western world. In 1019, Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Kiev married the daughter of the king of Sweden, Ingigerda.

Almost all the children of the Kyiv prince intermarried with European aristocratic houses. was given in marriage to french king Henry I, Elizabeth - for the Norwegian king Harald the Severe, Anastasia - for the king of Hungary Andras I.

The sons of Yaroslav, at the insistence of their father, also found wives abroad. Izyaslav married the daughter of the Polish king Gertrude, Svyatoslav - the Austrian princess Oda, Vsevolod - the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX.

“Unfortunately, we know very little about the diplomacy of Ancient Rus' and the work of the so-called embassies. On the one hand, the foreign policy of Rus' was quite active, on the other hand, we don’t know anything about officials whose main duties included interaction with other powers, ”said Vladimir Vinokurov, professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in an interview with RT.

According to the expert, with the beginning feudal fragmentation ancient Russian state(second half of the 11th century), the need for diplomacy most likely disappeared. Vinokurov also complained about the lack of data on the diplomatic activities of Rus' during the Mongol-Tatar yoke (1238-1480).

“The fundamental condition for the existence of diplomacy is a single and independent state. Fragmented and dependent territories have no common tasks, no sovereign foreign policy, which means there is no need for intensive external contacts and outward defense of interests. Therefore, with the collapse of a united Rus', diplomacy could also disappear, ”explained Vinokurov.

From Duma to Order

The need for diplomatic art, according to Vinokurov, arose in Russia with the formation of a centralized Russian state in the 15th century. Directly dealt with issues of foreign relations Grand Duke and members of the Boyar Duma.

Historians call Ivan III the most skillful diplomat of that era, who pursued an effective foreign policy. It was under him that the Byzantine double-headed eagle became the state emblem of Rus'. This determined the civilizational continuity of the Russian state as an alternative center of power on the Eurasian continent.

However professional approach in diplomacy prevailed only during the reign of Ivan IV the Terrible. On February 10, 1549, he established the Posolsky Prikaz, the executive body responsible for Moscow's foreign relations.

Duma clerk Ivan Mikhailovich Viskovaty was appointed head of the order. He is considered the first professional diplomat. Viskovatyi negotiated with the Livonian Order (conclusion of peace), Denmark (treaty of military alliance) and Sweden (a truce agreement for 20 years).

The personnel of the Ambassadorial Order were clerks and clerks (assistants who performed office work). Structurally, this authority was divided into three territorial administrations (povity). One branch was responsible for relations with Europe, and the other two - with the eastern countries.

“The clerks accepted the letters brought by the ambassadors, conducted preliminary negotiations, attended the receptions of foreign diplomats, checked drafts of response letters, and issued instructions to the ambassadors sent to meet foreign ambassadors. They also headed the embassies, ”writes in the article“ A little about the Russian diplomatic service ” former ambassador RF in Yugoslavia Valery Egoshkin.

Permanent diplomatic missions of Russia abroad began to appear in the 30s of the 17th century. The impetus for this was the 30-year war in Europe (1618-1648) and the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which laid the foundation for the first ever system of international relations.

Establishment of the College

Russian diplomacy made a real breakthrough during the reign. The era of his reign is associated with the introduction of Western innovations in the socio-political structure. Military victories and economic success contributed to the fact that Russia entered the circle of leading European powers.

In December 1718, the Ambassadorial Order was transformed into the Collegium of Foreign Affairs (KID). On February 24, 1720, the regulations of the new body were approved. The CFA was based on the experience of the state administration system of the Swedish kingdom. Peter I considered the system of orders too clumsy.

The KID consisted of the Presence (governing body) and the Chancellery (executive institution). The board was headed by the president, who was awarded the title of chancellor. At the same time, the President of the CFA did not have the right to make decisions without the approval of the members of the Presence, assessors (assessors) and actual privy councillors.

Under the control of the KID were embassies and other diplomatic missions of Russia abroad. The Board performed a wide range of functions: ensuring the confidentiality of the emperor's correspondence, preparing messages (letters, rescripts, resolutions, declarations) for diplomatic missions and foreign countries, the issuance of foreign passports and the solution of questions of the stay of foreign nationals. In addition to external relations, the KID exercised control over nomadic and newly annexed peoples.

The office was divided into two departments. The first was directly involved in foreign relations, the second - financial issues and economic support for the activities of diplomatic institutions, and also interacted with the peoples of Russia, including the Ural Cossacks and Little Russia (part of modern Ukraine).

“The appearance of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs was caused by an urgent need. By the end of the Petrine era, Russia had become a mighty empire, a full-fledged participant in European politics. Of course, such a development of events required the emergence of a modern diplomatic institution, where only specialists work,” Vinokurov said.

The “professionalization” of the diplomatic service was facilitated by the adoption by Peter I of the “Table of Ranks” (February 4, 1722). Having established 14 military and civil ranks, the autocrat created a career ladder for diplomatic workers. Each KID official was obliged to start his service from the lowest rank.

“The contribution of Peter I to the development of the diplomatic service was, without a doubt, enormous. On the one hand, he sometimes too zealously copied Western institutions, on the other hand, it was only under him that a school of professional diplomats arose in Russia. Russia in the field of diplomacy lagged behind Europe by 30 years. Peter significantly reduced this gigantic gap, ”explained Vinokurov.

The heyday of Russian diplomacy of the 18th century falls on the period of government, which increased Russia's influence in the world. In the European theater, diplomats were actively negotiating various coalition agreements. In the south, they established a system for managing the annexed territories.

• Presentation of a letter to Empress Catherine II (Ivan Miodushevsky, 1861)

One of the most significant achievements of the policy of Catherine II was the weakening Ottoman Empire Petersburg's main geopolitical rival. According to experts from the Russian Foreign Ministry, a major success of Russian diplomacy was the Kyuchuk-Kainarji peace treaty (1774) with Turkey, which marked the beginning of the annexation of Crimea.

The appearance of the ministry

The most important milestone in the history of Russian diplomacy is the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which became the prototype of the modern diplomatic department.

The manifesto establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was signed on September 20, 1802. However, the process of forming a new executive body dragged on for 30 years - the CFA was abolished only in 1832.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a more ramified structure than the Collegium. Several new departments and dozens of subdivisions appeared within the ministry. The central apparatus included the Chancellery, the Department of Internal Relations, the Asian Department and the Department of Personnel and Economic Affairs, the Archival Service, the Commission for the Publication of State Letters and Treaties.

In 1839, the staff of the central apparatus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consisted of 535 people. However, in 1868, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, Alexander Gorchakov, carried out a reform, reducing the staff in St. Petersburg to 134 officials. Subsequently, the staffing of the ministry began to grow again.

• Portrait of His Serene Highness Prince Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire (Nikolai Bogatsky, 1873)

Russian diplomatic missions abroad were divided into embassies (large European states), residencies (representations in small countries and lands dependent on St. Petersburg), general consulates, consulates, vice-consulates and consular agencies.

In the 19th century, there was a rapid growth in the number of Russian diplomatic missions. In 1758, there were only 11 permanent foreign missions in the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in 1868 their number increased to 102. In 1897, there were 147 Russian diplomatic missions abroad, in 1903 - 173, and in 1913 - over 200.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire tried to comply with the latest trends. For example, during the reform of the department, which began in the mid-1900s, the Press Department was established - an analogue of the modern Department of Information and Press (press service). The department monitored the foreign press and provided " public opinion explanations regarding the activities of the ministry”.

After the revolution, the Bolsheviks, on the basis of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs of the USSR (NKID). The new body was headed by professional diplomat Georgy Chicherin, who in the 1920s made a huge contribution to the international recognition of the young socialist republic.

In 1946, the NKID was transformed into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. In 1953, Soviet diplomats moved from the apartment building of the First Russian Insurance Company on Bolshaya Lubyanka to the Stalinist skyscraper on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square.

• View from the Borodino Bridge to Smolenskaya Square and the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, 1995
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The basis of the diplomatic staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has always been bright representatives of the intellectual and creative elite. In particular, the classics of Russian literature were in the diplomatic service: Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov (head of the embassy in Tehran), Konstantin Nikolayevich Batyushkov (employee of the diplomatic mission in Italy), Fyodor Ivanovich Tyutchev (freelance attache in Munich), Alexei Konstantinovich Tolstoy (employee of the Russian mission to the German Sejm).

“I attribute the abundance of talented and brilliant personnel in the Foreign Ministry to the fact that a diplomat must be a versatile person. His weapons are intellect, ingenuity, the ability to find an approach to a person, to feel his weaknesses and strengths. Mediocrity, even if well educated, will not achieve success in the field of diplomacy,” Vinokurov concluded.

February 10 is the Day of the Diplomatic Worker in Russia. This holiday was established by Decree of the President of Russia No. 1279 of October 31, 2002 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Russian Foreign Ministry. On this day, remember the most well-known representatives diplomatic service, defending the interests of Russia.

Ivan Mikhailovich Viskovaty was born in the first half of the 16th century. The first clerk of the Ambassadorial Order (1549-1570) created by Ivan IV (the Terrible), from the foundation of which the Russian diplomatic service traces its history. Played a prominent role in foreign policy Russia, was one of the supporters of the Livonian War of 1558-1583. In 1562, he achieved the conclusion of an alliance treaty with Denmark and an agreement on a twenty-year truce with Sweden on favorable terms for Russia. He was suspected by Ivan IV of participating in a boyar conspiracy and executed on July 25, 1570 in Moscow.

Afanasy Lavrentievich Ordin-Nashchokin was born in 1605 in Pskov. In 1642 he participated in the delimitation of the new Russian-Swedish border after the Peace of Stolbov. Having achieved in 1667 the signing of the Andrusovsky truce with Poland, which was beneficial for Russia, he received the rank of boyar and became the head of the Ambassadorial Order. In 1671 he was suspended from service in the Posolsky order, returned to Pskov and took the vows under the name "Anthony" in the Krypetsky monastery. He died in 1680 in Pskov.

Boris Ivanovich Kurakin was born on July 20, 1676 in Moscow. Prince. The first permanent ambassador of Russia abroad. From 1708 to 1712 he was the representative of Russia in London, Hanover and The Hague, in 1713 he participated in the Utrecht Congress as a plenipotentiary representative of Russia, from 1716 he was ambassador in Paris. In 1722, Peter I entrusted him with the leadership of all Russian ambassadors accredited to European courts. He died on December 17, 1727 in Paris.

Andrei Ivanovich Osterman (Heinrich Johann Friedrich) was born on June 9, 1686 in the city of Bochum (Germany). Graph. Member of the Supreme Privy Council. In fact, he led the domestic and foreign policy of Russia under Anna Ioannovna. Largely due to the efforts of Osterman, in 1721, the Treaty of Nystadt, which was beneficial for Russia, was signed, according to which “eternal, true and unbroken peace on land and water” was established between Russia and Sweden. Thanks to Osterman, in 1726 Russia concluded an allied treaty with Austria, which retained its significance for the entire 18th century. After palace coup 1741, who enthroned Elizabeth Petrovna, was sent into exile in Siberia to the city of Berezov, where he died on May 20, 1747.

Alexei Petrovich Bestuzhev-Ryumin was born on May 22, 1693 in Moscow. Graph. In 1720 he was appointed resident in Denmark. In 1724, he obtained from the Danish king the recognition of the imperial title for Peter I and the right of duty-free passage of Russian ships through the Sound Strait. In 1731 he was moved as a resident to Hamburg, since 1732 he was an extraordinary ambassador in the Lower Saxon district, in 1734 he was moved as a resident to Denmark. In 1741 he was granted the Grand Chancellor and until 1757 he actually led the foreign policy of Russia. He died on April 10, 1766 in St. Petersburg.

Nikita Ivanovich Panin was born on September 18, 1718 in Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland). Graph. In 1747 he was appointed ambassador to Denmark, a few months later he was moved to Stockholm, where he stayed until 1759, signing a significant Russian-Swedish declaration in 1758. One of the closest devotees of Catherine II, headed the Collegium of Foreign Affairs (1763-1781). He put forward a project to create a "Northern System" (an alliance of northern powers - Russia, Prussia, England, Denmark, Sweden and Poland), signed the Petersburg Union Treaty with Prussia (1764), concluded an agreement with Denmark (1765), a trade agreement with Great Britain (1766) . He died on May 31, 1783 in St. Petersburg.

Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov was born on June 4, 1798 in Gapsala (now Haapsalu, Estonia). Most Serene Prince (1871), chancellor (1867), member of the State Council (1862), honorary member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences (1856). From 1817 in the diplomatic service, in 1856-1882 Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1871, he achieved the abolition of the restrictive clauses of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1856. Member of the creation of the "Union of the Three Emperors". He died on February 27, 1883 in Germany in the city of Baden-Baden.

Georgy Vasilyevich Chicherin was born on November 12, 1872 in the village of Karaul, Kirsanovsky district, Tambov province. People's Commissar (People's Commissar) for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR (since 1923 - the USSR) (1918‑1930). As part of the Soviet delegation, he signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918). He headed the Soviet delegation at the Genoa Conference (1922). Signed the Treaty of Rapallo (1922). He died on July 7, 1936 in Moscow.

Alexandra Fedorovna Kollontai was born on April 1, 1872 in St. Petersburg. She had the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. She has held various diplomatic posts in Norway, Mexico, and Sweden. She played an important role in ending the war of 1939-1940 between Russia and Finland. In 1944, in the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Sweden, Kollontai took on the role of mediator in negotiations on Finland's withdrawal from the war. In 1945-1952 she was in responsible work in the central office of the NKID (People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, since 1946 - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) of the USSR. She died on March 9, 1952 in Moscow.

Maxim Maksimovich Litvinov (Max Moiseevich Wallach) was born on July 4, 1876 in the city of Bialystok, Grodno province (now Poland). Since 1918 he was a member of the board of the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, since 1920 he was the plenipotentiary representative of the RSFSR in Estonia. From 1921 to 1930 - Deputy People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR (since 1923 - the USSR). In 1930-1939 - People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the USSR. He contributed to the establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States, the admission of the USSR to the League of Nations, in which he represented the USSR in 1934-1938. One of the authors of the concept of "collective security system" against the threat of German aggression. In 1939 he was dismissed, in 1941-1946 he was returned to the post of Deputy People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the USSR. He died on December 31, 1951 in Moscow.

Andrei Andreyevich Gromyko was born on July 18, 1909 in Belarus in the village of Starye Gromyki, Gomel district, Mogilev province. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR (1957-1985). Ambassador of the USSR to the USA (1943‑1946). Permanent Representative of the USSR to the UN and at the same time Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR (1946-1948). He headed the USSR delegation at the Dumbarton Oaks conference on the creation of the UN (1944). Signed a test ban treaty nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water (1963), the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (1968), the Soviet-American Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War (1973) and the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (1979). In 1985-1988 he worked as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He died on July 2, 1989 in Moscow.

Anatoly Fedorovich Dobrynin was born on November 16, 1919 in the Moscow region in the village of Krasnaya Gorka. Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador. He served as the Ambassador of the USSR to the USA for 24 years (1962-1986). played essential role in resolution Caribbean Crisis and stabilization of Soviet-American relations (the termination of the so-called " cold war between the USSR and the USA). Hero of Socialist Labor, Honored Worker of the Diplomatic Service of the Russian Federation, Honorary Doctor of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lives in Moscow.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources