The first regional branch of the National Centre RUSSIA opened in the Primorye region

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A festive programme dedicated to the opening of the first branch of the National Centre RUSSIA, located in the Primorye region, is taking place in Vladivostok. The new venue was created by Order of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Governor of the Primorye region Oleg Kozhemyako took part in the opening ceremony on the Sportivnaya Embankment.

"This is truly a centre of attraction for residents of our region and our guests, which will allow them to learn about landmarks, projects and achievements of the region, as well as to see how we are shaping the future of our cities and Vladivostok as an agglomeration. For children this is especially important: here they will be able to study the Russian language, take part in programmes and find their life path," said the head of the region.

He stressed that the opening of the branch would be only the first step in the development of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Far East. In the near future, a congress hall and new spaces for young people will appear here, while the venue itself will expand, gain modern infrastructure and delight the residents of Vladivostok.

During the ceremony, Oleg Kozhemyako presented Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, with the Primorye region Medal "For Special Contribution to the Development of the Primorye Region", 1st degree. Employees of the branch of the National Centre who took part in its creation were also awarded.

"Primorye is a unique region. It is Russia’s gateway to Asia, a place where traditions and cultures meet, where friendship with neighbours is part of daily life. We are confident that the branch will become a new place of strength, a cultural focal point, a space where ideas are born and everyone feels pride for Russia and a sense of belonging to its future. That is why the Ussuri tiger — proud, majestic and recognised all over the world — was chosen as the symbol of the branch," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Konstantin Shestakov, Mayor of Vladivostok, also extended his congratulations on the opening of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA:

"I congratulate Vladivostok residents on the opening of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in our city. I want to emphasise that the first branch of the National Centre opened in Vladivostok. This happened thanks to the efforts of a large team of the Primorye region. I thank everyone who contributed to the opening of the branch."

The festive programme began with a performance by the youth band TES’LA and a large flag procession along the renovated Sportivnaya Embankment. Residents of Vladivostok joined the "The Beautiful Faraway" dance flashmob, first held at the International RUSSIA EXPO in Moscow.

The first thousand guests received kokoshniks from the Patriotka brand, handmade in a modern style, while the most active participants were given souvenirs and branded gifts.

The stage featured soloists of the pop orchestra of the Primorye Regional Philharmonic Valeria Beletskaya and Yulia Makeich, distinguished regional ensembles FestLine and Vikhr (Whirlwind), the vocal ensemble Recognition Music Project, soloists of opera and ballet of the Primorye stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, and the children’s company of the Primorye branch of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. A special highlight was the performance by four families of Primorye "Friendly Family — Friendly Russia".

The opening of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region coincided with the Year of Great Victory, and a special place in the festive programme was given to commemorative events. The audience saw a literary and musical composition with the participation of Great Patriotic War veteran Lidia Ivanovna Negoda and a participant of the Special Military Operation from the Primorye region, Sergei Uvarov. The ensemble of young sailors Vostok named after S. A. Bevz and the military orchestra of the Pacific Higher Naval School also performed.

At the end of the concert, employees of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA, artists, a war veteran and participants of the Special Military Operation joined guests of the event in singing the National Anthem of the Russian Federation. The culmination of the evening was a performance by the well-known Russian singer Eva Polna.

From 1 September, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region launched registration for the excursion programme "Discover the Primorye Region". Excursions take place daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 20:00. The duration of the programme is 90 minutes, groups are formed with up to 15 people. Visitors can join either by pre-registration on the centre’s website or as part of an already formed group. If places are available, excursions are also open without registration. Participation is free of charge.