| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
IN COMMEMORATION of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-Brunei diplomatic relations, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Brunei Darussalam yesterday launched an art exhibition at the Waterfront Art Gallery in the capital.
The exhibition, themed ‘Russia: Beauty in Diversity’ will run from October 12 to November 27, 2016.
Present to grace the launching ceremony was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Upon her arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by Vladlen Semivolos, the Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
The ambassador in his remarks said, “I am delighted to note that in recent years our cooperation reached high levels in all spheres of Russia-Brunei relations.”
According to him, the main political event this year was the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Russia for the Russia-Asean Summit and the bilateral meeting with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin last May in Sochi, and these significant events are portrayed through several photos at the exhibition.
“A major part of the display reflects the momentous dates in the history of bilateral ties. I refer specifically to the first official meeting of our leaders in Bandar Seri Begawan during the APEC Summit in 2000, which opened a new chapter in collaboration between our states. You will find notable depictions from the state visit of His Majesty to Russia in 2005 and his official visit to our country in 2009, which laid down the basis for multi-faceted cooperation and greatly contributed to strengthening open and mutually advantageous Russia-Brunei relations,” he continued.
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade looking at the photos of mosques in Russia.
Her Royal Highness, in a group photo with Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Vladlen Semivolos, the Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and wife, Elena Semivolos.
Colourful khokhloma handicrafts on display. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
“The exhibition provides an opportunity to get close to understanding the Russian national character, discover the richness and diversity of our traditions,” he added.
The display also showcases Russian architectural and natural attractions and national costumes.
It also presents traditional Russian folk art, which range from the world famous matryoshkas (nesting dolls), gzhel porcelain and zhostovo metal trays to khokhloma crockeries, palekh jewellery boxes and Pavlov Posad shawls.
The exhibition includes sections marking the 55th anniversary of the first flight to space in the history of mankind by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and the mosques of Russia.
The ‘Russia: Beauty in Diversity’ exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam.
Enty to the exhibition is free and members of the public can visit the gallery from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday and from 9.30am to 11.30am and from 2.30pm to 5pm on Friday and Sunday.
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