Gala evening marking Africa Day held at the Cultural Center

The Cultural Center hosted a gala evening on the occasion of Africa Day. The holiday was established 60 years ago following the foundation of the Organization of African Unity and is celebrated annually around the world on May 25. The event was organized by the Russian Association for International Cooperation (RAIC).

Mikhail Leonidovich Bogdanov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, sent greetings to the evening guests. Alexander Polyakov, Deputy Director of the Department of Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, read the greetings out.

The ceremony was officially opened by Sergei Kalashnikov, Chairman of the RAIC Presidium. He emphasized that Africa is both abundant with its unique natural resources and invaluable human potential that enable the continent to play a leading role in the future.

Ruslan Bayramov, Member of the RAIC Presidium, President of the Dialogue of Cultures-United World International Charity Public Foundation noted that African countries show respect and love for the continent’s natural resources and in the coming years, it will play a leading role in many geopolitical areas.

Benson Henry Ouma Ogutu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya in the Russian Federation, was the guest of honor at the event. “Many states consider Africa as the next growth area in the context of economic cooperation. I believe that African countries will soon become Russia’s closest partners in various areas — from business investment to the exchange of cultural values between peoples,” he said.

At the end of the solemn part of the evening, the guests took part in the cultural entertainment program presented by young talented musicians from the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation.

The gastronomic delights and most beautiful pieces of arts and crafts of African countries were available at the foyer of the Cultural Center.