Putin signs order to endorse updated Russian foreign policy concept

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has signed an order to endorse Russia's updated foreign policy concept.

"Earlier today, I signed an order to endorse an updated foreign policy concept of the Russian Federation," Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Friday.

Putin explained the need for a major adjustment of key strategic planning documents, including the foreign policy concept, on the basis of drastic changes on the world stage.

"The Foreign Ministry, acting in collaboration with the presidential administration, the office of the Security Council, the government and numerous ministries and agencies, has done extensive, thorough work to update and harmonize the concept with current geopolitical realities," he said.

"This is a balanced document that will serve as a basis for our practical actions in the mid-term and more distant future." Putin said.

The Foreign Ministry should play the coordinating role in the concept's implementation, with support from other agencies, he said.