"To love and be proud of the best country in the world": an interview with Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO

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The International RUSSIA EXPO has become a world-class platform, which was organized thanks to the coordinated work of professionals and sincere love for the Motherland. Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the Exposition, talked about it in an interview to the RBC TV channel. She noted that the idea to create the project came personally from the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

"The President in his address to the Federal Assembly said that Russia is a distinctive civilization. Our task is to preserve it for descendants. And already on March 29, 2023 a decree was signed on the organizing committee of the Exposition and its holding," said Natalia Virtuozova.

Watch the full interview with the Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO Natalia Virtuozova:

"We managed to create a world-class Exposition, and literally in a few months, although usually projects of this scale are organized for several years, - says Natalia Virtuozova and specifies what the real phenomenon of the Exposition is. - The phenomenon, of course, is in the truth and sincerity. These are not empty words. A lot of factors and the country's great desire to be proud coincided. To be proud of each of us, our achievements, the achievements of our ancestors. And once again I want to say: Russia has always been about the future".

Natalia Virtuozova said that the RUSSIA EXPO has already been visited by more than 15 million people, and many of them come again. She reminded that the whole country united to create the Exposition: regions, ministries, major corporations showed a real, sincere impulse for an important common cause.

"After all, every person has a need to be proud. 98% of visitors who leave the Exposition say: 'We feel proud.' And 94% say they feel confident that our country is one of the most advanced in the world."

According to Natalia Virtuozova, she and the whole team are honored to be involved in such a unique project. And the President's decision to extend the Exposition until July 8 was a complete surprise, a great compliment and a gift.

"We tried to gather the best professionals. Of course, the Exposition gave birth to a unique team. What we are able to do today, we were not able to do seven months ago. This is unequivocal. Our team is unique, the best in the world in the exhibition movement. And I am not hesitant to say it".

Natalia Virtuozova noted that the cultural program of the Exposition was largely made possible thanks to the regions of Russia. It is in the regions where unique ensembles are preserved and developed. Each republic, each territory holds its own incredibly rich traditions.

"World stars also perform at the RUSSIA EXPO. For example, guitar virtuoso Roman Miroshnichenko became the best guitarist in the world two weeks ago in America. 122 countries participated in the event. And he performed at the Exposition, and there was a full house. On May 9, we had Ildar Abdrazakov, one of the best opera singers in the world, singing here."

The Director General added that another pride of the Exposition was the "Future in Flowers" festival. All 89 regions presented their flower compositions. According to Natalia Virtuozova, these are not just expositions, but real works of art.

"Each region has put into these nine square meters, which were provided, all the history and culture of their region. And that's not mentioning floristics, flower farms, identity, red-listed plants and so on. Plus look at the floral expositions of the ministries. People do not leave the ballerina of the Ministry of Culture alone, there is a queue of people who want to take pictures".

Natalia Virtuozova pointed out that the Exposition attracts foreign guests as well; official delegations from 122 countries have already visited the RUSSIA EXPO. The expositions are regularly visited by independent foreign tourists as well: one can hear English, Spanish, Italian and other languages everywhere.

The Exposition is also proud of the Department Store space in Pavilion No. 75. Here 602 manufacturers showcased their products. In addition, the Exposition constantly hosts business events and plenary sessions, where representatives of the authorities discuss not only the results of the completed work, but also talk about plans and prospects for the future. In conclusion, Natalia Virtuozova pointed out that the most important thing that the Exposition teaches is to love and be proud of the best country in the world - Russia.