Russia constantly pursues an independent foreign policy and strives to form an equal basis for collective action, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday.

Sending greetings to his colleagues on Diplomats' Day, Lavrov reviewed the history of Russian diplomacy and highly praised the envoys' efforts.

Diplomacy, Lavrov said, is a tool to create favorable conditions for the country and meet challenges facing the government.

"All our actions are intended to help make Russia a prosperous state," Lavrov said.

Older generations of diplomats have always acted as a reliable pillar of Russian statehood and coped with the challenges of "promoting our national interests, fostering peace and international security," Lavrov said.

Against the backdrop of a complex global situation, a grave economic crisis, multiple areas of political instability and regional conflicts, there is a lack of trust in international relations, the foreign minister said.

To effectively meet those challenges, Lavrov said, diplomats should maintain high competence, professionalism and responsibility.

President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Russia's diplomatic staff on their professional holiday.

Put said in a message published on the Kremlin website that to maintain global stability, promote peaceful settlement of conflicts and the primacy of international law is "at the heart of each diplomat's work."