| Danial Norjidi |
THE cultural cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation has a long history and holds great potential.
This was highlighted by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Semivolos during the launch of the Russian Literature Section at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Library on April 1.
The ambassador described the opening of the Russian Literature Section as “a milestone in the cultural cooperation between our two countries”.
“This cooperation has a long history and a great potential. Russia and Brunei are consistently taking practical steps to further strengthen bilateral ties in this area,” he said.
“Our cultural dialogue has a legal basis – in May 2016 we concluded the memorandum on cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) of Brunei Darussalam.
“This document was signed for a three-year period. It has proved its efficiency and it meets national interests of both Russia and Brunei, and we are working now to extend the term of its application for another three-year period.
“We have realised a number of memorable activities in the field of cultural cooperation in recent years.”
The Russian Ambassador noted that in 2016, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-Brunei diplomatic relations, the Russian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam organised the ‘Russia: Beauty in Diversity’ exhibition at the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery in collaboration with the MCYS.
“In May 2018 the embassy together with Bruneian partners organised the ‘World Cup Weekend’ dedicated to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,” he added. Semivolos also highlighted the visit of a Russian delegation to Brunei last September, led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Russia Muftis Council, Rushan Abbyaso.
During the delegation’s visit, the ‘Traditions of Islam in Russia’ exhibition was launched at the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery by the Russian Embassy with the support of the MCYS and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“The display featured a unique collection of photographic artworks presenting architecture, lifestyle, traditions and customs of the Ummah of [Russia],” the ambassador said of the exhibition. “The positive response to this event from the Bruneian audience clearly demonstrated the strong connection between our two nations and our Muslim communities.
“I would like to emphasise that Brunei was the first country to host this exhibition before it set off on a tour around the world. This fact underscores the importance Russia attaches to its friendship with Brunei.”
He added, “The [exhibition was also] covered in the documentary The Beauty of the Mosques of Russia [aired] by Radio Television Brunei in collaboration with the Russian Embassy last autumn. Amid the growing interest of Bruneians in Russia and its culture, we are happy to open the Russian Literature Section in Bandar Seri Begawan today and share Russian classics with Bruneian readers.”