Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov. Archival photoWASHINGTON, June 13 — RIA Novosti. Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov called the position on the inadmissibility of the participation of officials in diplomatic mission events a manifestation of unprofessionalism.Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly previously called the presence of representatives of her department at the celebration of Russia Day at the Russian Embassy is unacceptable.
"The embassy believes that diplomacy was created in order to work in times of crisis. In such difficult times, it is especially in demand. And the statements of certain representatives of the official circles of Canada that it is pointless to communicate with Russia, and they will not, or somehow belligerently declare that none of their representatives will ever participate in any of our events … Well, I I use this word with regret, but this is a sign of unprofessionalism", Stepanov told RIA Novosti.
In his opinion, attending festive events is a common protocol practice and a show of respect. «I am sure that Canadian career diplomats, experts at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs understand that this is a common protocol practice. Mutual respect is necessary even when we disagree, or political the leaders of our country have diametrically opposed approaches to some sensitive issues on the international agenda, this does not mean that diplomats should not work,” he added. » />The West invented megaphone recruitment»Our embassy in Ottawa will continue all its professional functions: both in terms of maintaining channels of bilateral communication, and in terms of conveying to the public the Canadian position of Russia, Russian citizens and the Russian leadership regarding what is happening in the world, including Ukraine We work calmly, we are polite people, we do not pay attention to emotions and always emphasize We acknowledge, both in communication with representatives of the Canadian civil service and with the media, that we are first and foremost neighbors, Arctic neighbors, the two largest countries in the world that have similar concerns, challenges and tasks in terms of the development of the national economy, in terms of ensure the well-being of our countries,» a senior diplomat said.