Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the objectives of the Government's diplomatic and political policy on Russia are for 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alan Duncan, Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: The Government's objectives in respect of Russia are to protect UK interests and those of our allies and partners; to uphold the rules-based international order in the face of Russian challenges; to engage with Russia in key areas of shared interest; to promote our values, including the rule of law and human rights; and to build stronger links between the British and Russian people more widely. We continue to have significant differences with Russia, notably over their actions in Syria and ongoing destabilisation of Ukraine. It would be a mistake to go back to business as usual whilst these are unresolved, so a twin track strategy of vigilance and of engagement is what is required.

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