Russia's greatest wealth is its big heart and great soul: Maria Zakharova takes part in an open dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA
Respect for different peoples, a shared memory of Victory and a willingness to engage in dialogue are the values underpinning Russia's unity. The Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, discussed their significance for the country and international relations during the Open Dialogue "Unity of Peoples as a Principle of a Multipolar World: Russia's Experience and Its Significance for International Relations". The event was held on 6 November at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the Znanie.Unity educational marathon.
Discussing Russian culture, Maria Zakharova emphasised that its richness is inseparable from the spiritual foundations of society.
"Russia certainly has a rich culture. But I want to say that what matters most is that Russia has a big heart and a great soul. That is what matters above all; everything else stems from it. Russia would not have such a culture if it were not rooted in true values. That, I believe, is our country's main secret," said the Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department, Maria Zakharova.
She cited Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Second World War as one of the most important historical examples of peoples coming together: "The lesson of 1945 showed everyone that without joining forces, what happened — the victory of good over evil at that particular moment in history — would not have been possible. It was a world war. It affected every continent. And Victory became possible only by joining forces, including those who had held opposing ideological positions just four or five years earlier."
Maria Zakharova emphasised that the memory of this heroism must remain shared, without divisions along ethnic lines. She said this approach also guides Russian diplomacy: when defending military memorials abroad, Russian representatives advocate preserving the memory of all those who died, regardless of their background.
The diplomat also recalled the tradition of inviting veterans from different countries to Victory Day celebrations. She emphasised that special attention is always given to those who contributed to the shared Victory.
"Everyone was invited. Veterans from every country were invited. Those who had served in the Soviet Army but whose lives had taken them to different countries — both in the post-Soviet space and in the West — were all invited. Veterans who had served in other armies were always invited too. Honour, respect, seats in the front row — they receive the greatest attention," noted Maria Zakharova.
American journalist and geopolitical expert John Varoli continued the discussion of mutual understanding between peoples. Reflecting on the transition to a multipolar world, he opposed the notion that some states and peoples are exceptional compared with others. In his view, the pursuit of dominance stands in the way of dialogue on equal terms.
"I consider myself a patriot of my country; I am a US citizen. And I very much want you to distinguish between Western elites and Western peoples: there is an enormous gulf between them. We want to be friends with you; we want to live in peace with you," the journalist emphasised.
The discussion also included the Secretary General of the International Russophile Movement, Ivan Kostic; the Head of RT's Documentary Broadcasting Directorate and General Producer of the festival "RT.Doc: The Time of Our Heroes", Yekaterina Yakovleva; and international affairs analyst and ambassador for the Russian society Znanie in Argentina, Cristian Lamesa.
The Znanie.Unity marathon was held as part of International Week "Peoples of Russia", marking National Unity Day. It was organised by the Russian society Znanie with support from the Security Council Staff of the Russian Federation.
The programme at the National Centre RUSSIA included meetings dedicated to historical memory, service to the Motherland, scientific achievements and the country's cultural diversity.
The programme will feature open dialogues on historical memory, service to the Motherland, scientific achievements and Russia's role in the modern world.
The book "We Are Russia. Origins and Horizons of Unity Among the Peoples of Russia" was presented at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the Znanie.Unity educational marathon.
Songs that have become an integral part of the Russian people's historical memory and shared cultural identity were performed on 5 November at the National Centre RUSSIA during.
