Russia encourages its diplomats to use social mediaJuly 16, 2012 - 12:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has moved to increase its influence in the international arena by encouraging its diplomats to use social media, RIA Novosti reported citing the July 16 edition of Kommersant daily. The Russian Foreign Ministry is planning to open a Facebook page in the near future and has already launched special courses to teach diplomats how to make the most of their Twitter accounts to help promote Russia’s position on the world stage, the report said. “To achieve this, special instructions have been sent to all [Russian] embassies,” the paper said. The ministry is also planning to redesign its official webpage by the end of the year, it said. Last week, the ministry launched a YouTube account (midrftube) where internet users can watch videos of speeches by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other senior Russian diplomats, as well as other video materials related to Russia’s foreign policy and international relations. During a closed-door meeting with Russian ambassadors last week, President Vladimir Putin urged diplomats to actively use new technologies to improve Russia’s image and defend its interests, Kommersant said, quoting an official who attended the meeting. “It’s not enough to just say something once… We should explain our positions again and again, using various platforms and new technologies, until they understand,” the official, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, quoted Putin as saying. Putin called on Russian diplomats last week to be proactive, constructive, pragmatic and flexible, and promised that Russia’s foreign policy “will remain self-sufficient and independent,” but will not slide into “isolationism or confrontation.” Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. Ambassador summoned to Russia returns to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has returned to Yerevan more than two weeks after being recalled to Moscow for consultations. |