The success of Russian cultural programs held in Italy demonstrates the importance of cultural diplomacy in maintaining bilateral relations, Italian Ambassador in Moscow Pasquale Terracciano said Tuesday, stressing that the cultural dialogue between the two states had never stopped.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 28th August, 2018) The success of Russian cultural programs held in Italy demonstrates the importance of cultural diplomacy in maintaining bilateral relations, Italian Ambassador in Moscow Pasquale Terracciano said Tuesday, stressing that the cultural dialogue between the two states had never stopped.
"Italians are interested in almost every aspect of the Russian culture. The diversity and success of the cultural programs show the importance of the cultural diplomacy in maintaining consistency and positive dynamics in relations between the two states," Terracciano said during a press conference, dedicated to the fall program of the Russian Seasons festival held in Italy.
The ambassador noted that the cultural ties between Moscow and Rome had never been broken.
Due to the difficulties that exist in international politics, Russia is often portrayed in a wrong way, the diplomat continued.
"That is why it is absolutely right to bet on culture to show the true face of Russia to the friendly Italian people and the whole world," Terracciano pointed out.
The festival was held for the first time in 2017 in Japan. This year, it is carried out in 75 Italian cities. The Russian Culture Ministry expects over 5 million people to attend the event.
The relations between Russia and EU member states, including Italy, deteriorated in 2014, after a conflict erupted in Ukraine and Crimea rejoined Russia as a result of a referendum, the results of which were not recognized by the West. Moscow has repeatedly said that it never meddled in the Ukrainian crisis and emphasized that the Crimean referendum was held in line with international standards.
