OREANDA-NEWS. Soviet and Russian political and statesman Yevgeny Primakov defended the interests of his country, but at the same time strove for peace and progress for all. This was stated by former Assistant to the President of the United States on National Security and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in a video message to participants in the meeting of the Scientific Council of IMEMO RAS dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Primakov.

Kissinger noted that he met Primakov when the USSR and the USA tried to establish a dialogue between themselves, and began to appreciate him as a friend. “In our busy time, the need for such a dialogue persists and even grows”, said the former secretary of state. “So I am grateful for the opportunity to say a few words about a friend, about a Russian man who strove for peace and progress for all. We both respected our interests states, but believed that one could find the opportunity to work together for peace".

“With these feelings, I convey to you my best wishes on the occasion of the event, which evokes strong feelings of sympathy in me”, he added. The statesman and well-known orientalist Yevgeny Primakov (1929-2015) in different years served as Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.