"To love and be proud of the best country in the world": an interview with Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO
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.
In 2018, Russia became the country that hosted the best FIFA World Cup in history — according to the organisers themselves and fans from around the world.
More than one hundred representatives from 48 countries gathered in Moscow, at the National Centre RUSSIA, for the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World.
Young tour guides participated in another session of the School of Young Tour Guides.