Moscow government boosts foreign contacts, with culture as an ally to renew perception of the country

A new Russian diplomacy aimed at sustainable socio-economic, financial, digital technology, tourism, cultural and green zone development, consolidating cooperation between Spain and Russia and strengthening the influence of both nations, is the firm intention of the Moscow government, which has opened up the possibility, in recent days, of offering its support to the European country in the areas of culture, art, historical-cultural and scientific heritage. "Culture is our priority area of action, as well as one of the strongest languages for which there are no restrictions", was how Sergey Sarymov, Director of Casa Rusa in Spain, began a meeting with this correspondent, following the holding of several plenary sessions by prominent Russian authorities at the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona. The various round tables focused on the future development of foreign economic, scientific and humanitarian collaboration between the cities of Moscow and Barcelona, primarily with the idea of exchanging best practices in a sustainable urban environment, given the conditions of the "new reality".

For him, who is also First Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Spain, solid and fruitful relations exist between the two countries and are deepening every year, with culture being the foundation on which fruitful support between the two countries will now be built, and to a large extent.  "We are currently working on major projects in Spain for the new year 2022, thanks to which cultural cooperation will reach a new level," said Sergey Sarymov.

For the director of Casa Rusa in Spain, there is a growing interest among Spanish citizens in Russian culture and language, as well as the interest of Russians in the culture and history of Spain.  Cultural events such as the one that took place in Barcelona clearly demonstrate that the two peoples are closer than they seem. "They can speak different languages and express different positions, but, in order to understand each other, what better ally than culture, and that is why we are going to promote it". Certainly, through a new Russian diplomacy and given the existence of a whole melting pot of areas in which to collaborate, both nations will be able to develop and invest in new businesses. They could even work together to promote a new global green pact, if possible.

Elmira Sherbakova, President of the Council on International Cultural Collaboration of the Eurasian Peoples' Assembly, gave a speech, looking forward to this new year of recovery, to close the final plenary session on the exchange of lessons learned in the post-COVID period, from which it became clear that it was urgent to overcome the difficulties in order to set a new direction for the work. Both cities, together with Madrid, are emblematic in making unusual efforts to preserve their own cultural, economic and sporting legacies.

An entire exhibition of Picasso's photographs is on display at the Real Círculo de Barcelona, showing snapshots of his daily life, as part of the creative process in his works. "This unpublished exhibition of the great artist could be transferred to the St Petersburg museum," Sherbakova told the international press. It seems that events such as this have allowed a fruitful dialogue to take the exhibition of Picasso's photographs, on display at the Royal Circle of Artists in Barcelona, to the State Hermitage Museum. "We find a city of Barcelona with a boundless cultural attraction, very lively, in movement, just as in the city of Moscow", said Elmira Sherbakova, who is also President of the Peace and Harmony Fund and Director of the Cultural Seasons Festival.

According to Pau Solanilla Franco, Commissioner for Promotion of the city of Barcelona (Reputation & Economic Diplomacy), to whom this correspondent has had access, an activity such as the one that took place in Barcelona over the Christmas period (Cossack dances of traditional Russian folklore and sword choreography together with the tasting of exquisite gastronomy, accompanied by one of the most famous Russian Deejays of the moment) reaffirms an already consolidated relationship, given that Moscow and Barcelona belong to the C40 Group. "The relationship between Barcelona and Moscow is well established. We participate in the network of cities as integrating elements of the C40 Group (a total of 40 cities united against climate change), we are even members of the Olympic Cities Association, sharing membership in the Olympic venue". 

The C40 Group," Solanilla Franco explained to this journalist, "is a network that brings together some of the major metropolises around the world, with the aim of leading, with climate measures, the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future. In the same vein, Barcelona City Promotion Commissioner Solanilla Franco told this correspondent that the objective of establishing new commercial alliances will respect the specific dynamics of each country and will take the internationalisation of each company to a new dimension, which will favour the exchange of the creative industry, the digital economy and the attraction of investment. 

Carmen Chamorro García, CIP and ACPE board member and SEI International Relations graduate.