Republic of Crimea handed over a gift to the Russia National Centre

---

The first gift to the future Russia National Centre was presented by representatives of the Republic of Crimea on June 26. The event took place within the Days of Regional Development "Space of the Future: Azov-Black Sea Macroregion" and presentation of the results of the work of the Republic of Crimea at the International RUSSIA EXPO.

Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO, was solemnly handed over the painting "The Gathering of Russian Lands" by Vera Yershova. Vera Yershova is a young Crimean artist working in traditional graphics, creator of the author's project "Alphabet of Crimea", artist of the album "Let's Color Crimea", author's book about the unique nature of Crimea "Place of Life — Crimea" and other collector's editions.

The painting was created especially for the Russia National Centre, which is being created by order of President Vladimir Putin to preserve the legacy of the RUSSIA EXPO and demonstrate the achievements of the Russian Federation in various sectors of the economy. 

Natalia Virtuozova noted the special "sunny" atmosphere that reigned at the exposition of the Republic of Crimea throughout all the days of the EXPO.

"Our Exposition is finishing its work and, of course, we all have already become relatives here. I want to thank your exposition because it is always sunny here. Thank you for this atmosphere and caring. This is the first gift for our future Russia National Centre, where we will definitely all meet again. Thank you very much," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO.

Georgy Muradov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Crimea, drew attention to the symbolic significance of the donated painting.

"We have really approached the period of summing up the results, but our cooperation does not end here. And this painting is a symbolic gift. It has a ribbon looking like flags of all our regions that have joined Russia over these 10 years. And it is very important to note that it is not just about the lands, but above all about the people. It is the people who are our greatest treasure. Russia has repeatedly said that we have plenty of land, we do not need more land, but our Russian people must be at home, and this journey began with the Crimean Spring. We thank you for what has been done, and we very much hope to continue our communication and foster love between the residents of Crimea and the residents of other regions of Russia. Because we know: Russia loves Crimea," said Georgy Muradov.

During 210 working days, divided into thematic decades demonstrating the features and achievements of each district of the peninsula, all kinds of activities were held for the guests — masterclasses, presentations, lectures, raffles, virtual tours, lotteries, concerts, creative meetings with ambassadors and other events.

"The most important achievement that was accomplished here is that 650 citizens of the Republic of Crimea who worked at this stand returned to the peninsula, loving their Motherland and their Republic even more fervently. And those hundreds of thousands, millions of guests who visited our stand were not just convinced of the correctness of the choice in the 2014, but they say to us: "We came to Crimea and will continue to come there. Crimea is ours", emphasized Elena Yurchenko, Director of the Office of Prospective Development of the JSC "Corporation for Development of the Republic of Crimea".

The ceremony of summarizing the results of the exposition was concluded by presenting gifts to the RUSSIA EXPO Directorate staff and a bright creative number "Russia, let's go to Crimea".