From the National Centre RUSSIA to St Petersburg: Tanzanian journalist chooses his own route to get to know our country better

For a foreign visitor, Russia often begins with stereotypes — which makes it all the more valuable when they are dispelled on first encountering the country. For Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) correspondent Agustino Stanslaus Luambano, that first encounter took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. There, at the specially established International Press Centre, he and his colleagues are covering the eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the third Russia–Africa Summit. Visiting Moscow for the first time, the journalist admitted that he had expected to see a very different country.

"When I arrived, I found that it was very calm, pleasant and safe here, both during the day and at night. And the people here are very kind and peaceful. I was also surprised by how advanced technology is in Russia compared with Tanzania. The technology here is quite remarkable, and you can see it not only at the National Centre but even out on the streets," said Agustino Stanslaus Luambano.

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The African journalist compared the "Journey Across Russia" exposition to a map bringing together all the riches of Russia. He said it helps visitors choose the best route to explore the country in greater depth.

"It is amazing how there can be so much in one place. Everything you can find in Russia is brought together here. And if someone has not decided where to go, they can come to this exposition, explore it and choose where to travel. For example, I decided that the place I most want to see first is St Petersburg — it struck me as particularly beautiful," added Agustino Stanslaus Luambano.

Photo: Sergei Khakimov, Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

For the Tanzanian journalist, the journey across Russia is only beginning — as it is for many of his colleagues who are discovering our country for the first time at the National Centre RUSSIA. And judging by his impressions, the first thing Agustino Stanslaus Luambano will take home is a sense of calm, the comfort that technology brings, and kindness — impressions that have nothing in common with stereotypes about Russia.

The International Press Centre for the two summits at the National Centre RUSSIA continues to operate around the clock until 30 October. Around 1,700 media representatives from 70 countries have been accredited for the summits. The large-scale Russia–Africa Media Forum, held as part of the summit of the same name, brought together more than 200 participants at the National Centre RUSSIA: executives and journalists from leading African media outlets and media unions, bloggers with millions of followers, and descendants of prominent African leaders.