Diplomatic World nummer 54

Reading about the mission of the Hermitage
Museum in Amsterdam, its focus points are the
aims to use art and history to inspire, enrich
and above all offer opportunity for reflection.
With its diverse exhibition and supplementary
programming, the Hermitage Amsterdam presents
the world heritage of one of the greatest museums
— the State Hermitage in St Petersburg — to Dutch
and international visitors, taking inspiration
from the historical ties between Amsterdam and
St Petersburg and between the House of Orange-
Nassau and the Romanovs. Taking the Hermitage
Amsterdam as a strong case, how could Cultural
Diplomacy become an instrumental tool to improve
international relations between Russia, USA,
China and Europe?
I do believe that culture is at the core of relations between
nations and is perhaps more important for building lasting
and stable cooperation than political or economic ties.
Cultural and civilizational diversity is a feature of the world
of today which was only highlighted by the process of
globalization. Harmony in international relations cannot be
achieved by trying to make a single set of cultural traditions
and values applicable everywhere. What is needed is
partnership of civilizations, based on respect for other
cultures and ways of life. Therefore, it is essential to have
better understanding of the cultural matrix of other nations.
I believe it is not necessary to dwell on the European roots of
the Russian culture. No Russian child is raised without being
acquainted with the heritage of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart
and Hugo. Everyone in Russia is familiar with “L’oiseau
bleu” by Maurice Maeterlinck. Similarly, one cannot imagine
an educated person in any European country not knowing
the works of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov or Tchaikovsky,
Rakhmaninov, Prokofiev and Shostakovich.
Today, in the age of globalization, people multiply direct
contacts, and that is markedly different from the period
of the Cold War. I have noticed that today anti-Russian
information campaigns in the media have much less
influence on the minds of people because they can form their
own judgment. And they understand that erasing division
lines, not building new walls, meets their best interest.
The Grand Cascade, Peterhof Palace, Russia
recently performed with his Mariinskiy Orchestra in the
magnificent St Bavo’s Cathedral in the framework of the
Ghent festival? Over the last year there have been multiple
manifestations of Russian culture here, including recitals of
classical music, ballets, operas and art exhibitions.
In 2017 we have been celebrating 300th anniversary of the
visit of Peter the Great to Belgian cities. And I am grateful
to the authorities and the Belgian public for the wellorganized
colourful events in Antwerp and Brussels as well
as in Liège, where a new statue of the first Russian emperor
was installed.
In the months and years to come we are planning many
cultural exchanges of high quality which I am sure will
generate a lot of interest both in Belgium and Russia.
Some of them will be designed to commemorate the 165th
Anniversary of our diplomatic relations next year. That will
give us an opportunity to turn back to our rich heritage,
remembering such historic facts as the impressive role
of the Belgian companies in the development of Russian
economy before the World War I or the common struggle
of our citizens for the freedom of their countries. I am
convinced that all that provides solid ground for our future
cooperation.
I was gratified to see a lot of interest in Belgium for Russian
culture, and I see one of my priorities as Ambassador
to encourage our cultural ties. Indeed, who can better
represent the Russian identity than Valery Gergiev who
Famous beautiful marble quarry Ruskeala, Karelia, Russia
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