The Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry hosted a presentation of the Diplomatic Club. This organization will provide a platform for dialogue between the ambassadors of foreign countries, foreign businessmen and experts from Russia, dealing with the issues of different countries and regions. The rector of the Diplomatic Academy and the co-chairman of the club, Yevgeny Bazhanov, spoke about the main directions to be implemented within the organization.
According to Bazhanov, nine programs have been developed for the Diplomatic Club
The first program is diplomatic readings, in which, it is assumed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will participate. "If Sergey Viktorovich does not have an opportunity to participate, we hope he will send experienced diplomats who will guide our discussions. During these readings, first of all, we would like to discuss the relations between Russia and the West, what to do to advance this relationship. This should be in an informal, without recording or further citation, friendly atmosphere. The second theme, which we would like to discuss in the framework of these readings, is the topic of Russia and the East, to see what has been done, what else can be done, what can be used from the experience of our relations with the countries of the East in this direction,’’ Bazhanov said.
The second program is a presentation of books.
The third program is evenings dedicated to outstanding scientists and diplomats. "I noticed that many foreign diplomats do not know who Gorchakov was. I started to explain, and I felt that they are hearing about him for the first time. We want to discuss such a figure as the Academician Tarle. He was an outstanding scientist, a leading specialist on Russia in the Napoleonic era. In 1949 he was arrested on false charges and was sent to live in Kazakhstan. In 1952 the USSR widely celebrated the anniversary of the victory over Napoleon. And Comrade Stalin was given Tarle’s book about Napoleon, he read it and asked for Tarle to be brought to him. Tarle arrived from Kazakhstan, he was taken to Stalin, and Stalin said: "You have a very good opinion about Napoleon, why do you have such an attitude towards him?’’ Tarle said: "You know, this man was a representative of national minorities, he came to the great French empire and conquered it with his talent, power, his strategic vision and hard work."
This reminded Stalin about something from his own history. Tarle became an academician, he joined the Diplomatic Academy of MGIMO and was the most respected, the most famous professor for many years. And the young people who are now also studying at the Academy have not even heard about it. And perhaps it would be useful not only for the young people, but also for all of us, the members of the Club, and to talk about it,’’ the rector of the Diplomatic Academy said.
The fourth program is evenings of friendship.
The fifth program is a cultural evening. "We would like to start with poetry readings. Maybe not everyone knows, but poetry has always played a huge role in Russian diplomacy. Pushkin was a diplomat and, as everyone knows, an outstanding Russian poet. Griboyedov was a writer and a poet, an outstanding diplomat. Tyutchev was an outstanding diplomat and poet. And now a group of employees headed by Sergey Lavrov, who has published a book of poems, is engaged in poetry, Bazhanov said, adding that there are also plans to introduce classes in music, dance and painting.
The sixth program is a business meeting. "At the first meeting we would like to invite some of our prominent economists, especially those who work in the government, and to discuss how to improve the investment climate in Russia,’’ Yevgeny Bazhanov said.
The seventh program is a sports program.
The eighth program is a youth evening.
And finally, the ninth program is Christmas balls. "At these we could not only dance and sing, but also discuss the results of the year,’’ the Rector of the Diplomatic Academy concluded.
