"Hello, Russia!": international project bringing together 13 countries begins in Yugra

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Khanty-Mansiysk has become a centre of attraction for young compatriots from around the world. A welcome meeting for the "Hello, Russia!" project was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra. The "Evening of Friends" brought together young people from 13 countries and marked the start of a week-long journey across Yugra. The programme gives participants an opportunity to see Russia with their own eyes, experience its culture and people, and feel a connection with their historical homeland.

"Your presence here means that you are winners of contests organised by our colleagues at Rossotrudnichestvo. Yugra is an ancient historic land, rich in many different traditions and a long history. Representatives of 139 nationalities live here, promoting and preserving traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. Your visit here is very important," noted Alexander Ponomarenko, Acting Director of the Department of Youth Policy, Civic Initiatives and External Relations of Yugra.

The large-scale cultural and educational programme "Hello, Russia!" has been running since 2014 with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo. Every year, it brings together young compatriots aged 14 to 19 from different countries, giving them an opportunity to discover the culture, history and modern life of Russian regions. Participants are winners of contests dedicated to the country's history and traditions. The project's main goal is to preserve young people's connection with their historical homeland.

Yugra is hosting delegations for the fifth time, and the project's geographical reach continues to expand each year. This year, young people from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, Egypt, Israel, India, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, China, Moldova, Slovakia, Tajikistan and Tanzania have arrived in Khanty-Mansiysk.

The creative evening became a true parade of cultures: each delegation gave a presentation showcasing the unique traditions, cuisine and customs of its country. Guests were also introduced to Yugra's tourism potential through presentations of the routes "In the Footsteps of the Red Dragon: Five Elements of Yugra" and "Yugra Oil Field", which have already been recognised among Russia's best tourism products.

One of the participants, 15-year-old Viel Milstein from Israel, is visiting Russia for the third time. She had previously travelled to Saint Petersburg and Kislovodsk.

"I loved how green Yugra is. I also live in the north of Israel, so it feels as though I have travelled from one home to another. I also really liked the fountain in the centre of Khanty-Mansiysk. It is incredibly beautiful. And the people are so, so hospitable. You truly have a lot to be proud of," Viel shared.

Viel said that her father is Russian and that her family maintains Russian traditions: they display Russian flags and celebrate Victory Day every year. Preserving their history and knowing their roots is very important to them.

She came to Yugra with her mother. Their opportunity to take part in the project came after Viel won a contest with a heartfelt recital of a poem about the Siege of Leningrad. For the girl, whose first language is not Russian, it was a genuine personal achievement.

"My love for Russia is simply indescribable. I love it because history and identity are preserved in Russia. Speaking for myself, I can say this: without the Russian soldier, without the victory on 9 May, we simply would not exist. I am enormously grateful to Russia for preserving and valuing the history of our grandfathers. Even from afar, we can still be part of great Russia," shared Viel's mother, Renata Milstein.

A busy programme lies ahead for the participants, including excursions to the Samarovsky Chugas Nature Park, an introduction to the history of the oil industry and the region's ethnocultural characteristics, as well as tree planting as part of the international environmental relay "Garden of Friendship". Guests will also visit Yugra State University and learn more about life in modern Russian society.

Read news about the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra on its official VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, MAX and Telegram accounts.