“All the foreign policy had been in fact under his personal impact, under the sign of his personality…” These words, spoken by interpreter and diplomat V. Suhodrev, perfectly capture the essence of the man we are about to meet.
Right here in front of us stands the A. A. Gromyko Sculpture. A powerful figure, gazing across the city, he stands tall and proud. He represents the forcefulness and rigidity of the Soviet era. Gromyko was known as the “Mr. No” of Cold War diplomacy. He was Soviet Foreign Minister for an impressive 28 years, from 1957 to 1985. His reputation grew from his frequent use of the Soviet veto in the United Nations Security Council.
Gromyko was a true stalwart of Soviet policy, a consistent voice in international affairs. He was instrumental in the negotiation of crucial treaties like the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963 and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1968. He stood for the ideal of Socialism. He saw disarmament as key to a world without conflict. He was the architect of Détente, easing tensions with the United States. He did his best to maintain reasonable relations with powerful countries, especially the US, aware of its influence. He was heavily involved in the negotiations that helped bring about the end of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.
But it wasn’t just agreements that defined his role in the world. Despite his rigid stance and mistrust of the West, Gromyko was a shrewd diplomat, navigating complex international waters with unwavering determination. Despite his commitment to the Soviet Union, he was a man of great personal dignity and respect, deserving a prominent place in Moscow’s history. He was a man who defined his era, and his presence in the capital city serves as a lasting reminder of his complex legacy.