Which positive messages of the past few weeks and announcements of events to come are important to keep in mind amid the massive news flow?
Space: Past, Present, Future
The Russian Space Forum took place in Moscow, with representatives from India, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Indonesia, and Myanmar in attendance. Russia continues to actively expand cooperation with its foreign partners. Among the most significant initiatives are Russia’s proposal for a new international agreement to prevent an arms race in space; a joint project with China to create an international lunar research station; and plans to train the first cosmonauts from Indonesia and Myanmar.
Other notable events included Russian cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka and Denis Matveev meeting with the public in New Delhi; a Gagarin lesson for young people at the Russian Cultural Center in Budapest, using materials from the Tsiolkovsky Museum and the “Cosmos Is Us” Foundation; the exhibition “Dedicated to the Conquerors of Space” and the “Postcard from Orbit” campaign in Brest; Space Week at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education; a cosmonautics festival in Kathmandu; thematic exhibitions and film screenings at the Russian Cultural Center in Alexandria; exhibitions in schools across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan that sparked greater interest in history and science among young people; the opening of a Yuri Gagarin gazebo-stage in Santiago; and the presentation of a signed photograph of Valentina Tereshkova to local community activists.
The Good Deeds of Russian Cultural Centers
Russian Cultural Centers abroad regularly carry out humanitarian missions. Here are just a few recent examples:
Following devastating floods in Mozambique, food, essential items, blankets, and tents were delivered. In Kathmandu, the Russian Cultural Center organized a celebration for children at the PAN shelter at the beginning of the year. In Alexandria, a local orphanage received humanitarian aid including food, toys, sweets, hygiene products, and clothing. In Palestine, Russia provided food packages to a kindergarten in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp. In Armenia, internally displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh received food and hygiene kits. The Russian Cultural Center in Phnom Penh supplied school materials and food to children from low-income families. Humanitarian aid was also sent to Chile for victims of wildfires. In the Central African Republic, construction of a fourth school has been completed as part of an ongoing project aimed at ensuring every child can study close to home.
Developing Interparliamentary Relations
In Moscow, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The parties highlighted the effectiveness of existing interparliamentary contacts, including the work of joint commissions, and emphasized the importance of signing a cooperation agreement between the State Duma and the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister expressed support for deeper cooperation and noted that Egypt holds Russia in great respect and warmth, while expressing gratitude for its consistent assistance throughout their long friendship. The sides discussed economic cooperation, trade development, and tourism. Volodin invited his Egyptian counterpart, Hanafi El Gebaly, to visit Russia. Russian-Egyptian partnership has a rich history and a broad current agenda — including within the BRICS framework — and these relations continue to develop.
BRICS: Rational Ideas from the Youth
In Jakarta, a BRICS youth scientific forum on energy transition and sustainable development was held. The event brought together diplomats from member countries and officials from Indonesian ministries. Participants took part in thematic sessions, discussions, and a project competition. The forum resulted in the drafting of a BRICS youth leaders’ declaration on the green agenda.
Key proposals included establishing a program for scientific and educational cooperation, developing collaboration in biofuels, climate research, and space, and creating a permanent secretariat for the Youth Council. These initiatives have been submitted to BRICS structures for further development.
We Never Abandon Our Own – Including in International Relations
In St. Petersburg, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga held a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation. They noted the success of the oil recovery enhancement project at the Boca de Jaruco Oil Field, the supply of Russian cars to Cuba, and the opening of a branch of Southern Federal University.
The two sides are working to expand the supply of Russian food products to the Island of Freedom, while Cuban exports to Russia are also growing. Following the meeting, several cooperation agreements were signed. Russia continues to support Cuba. Bilateral relations rest on historical friendship, long-term mutual interests, and respect for each other’s culture, views, and values.
Bridge Between Peoples
Russia and the DPRK are continuing construction of an automobile bridge across the Tumen River and upgrading the Khasan border checkpoint. According to Russia’s Ministry of Transport, rail passenger transportation has increased fourfold. In addition to regular Moscow–Pyongyang flights, new tourist routes are emerging, including the rail connection between Vladivostok and Rason.
Overall, improved transport connectivity between the two countries will strengthen equitable and mutually beneficial economic cooperation and — equally importantly — people-to-people contacts.
Scientists of the Future
In Beijing, winners of the international “Mini Maker Fair for Students” and the “Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition” were announced. The Russian team performed exceptionally well, taking first and second places in physics and astronomy, first place in engineering and technical creativity, first place in “Medicine and Health,” and a second-degree diploma in chemistry.
Such international scientific and technical competitions are particularly valuable because the presented projects have both fundamental scientific importance and clear practical applications. Moreover, the respectful and friendly atmosphere of these contests helps build long-term connections between the scientific communities of participating countries — especially important for nations of the Global Majority.
Diplomats as Social Media Stars
Since the beginning of the year, an unusual type of social media personality has been gaining increasing attention worldwide: Russian diplomats. In hot Zambia, they showcased the Russian tradition of Epiphany bathing. In India, the country warmly received Russia’s congratulations for Republic Day. In China, Ambassador Igor Morgulov’s Lunar New Year speech was widely admired.
This is exactly what mutual respect and understanding look like in a multipolar world.
Partial Justice
Following an investigation prompted by the Palestinian Football Association, FIFA has fined the Israel Football Association for offensive behavior, violations of fair play principles, discrimination, and racism. However, Palestine’s request to suspend the Israeli national team from international tournaments was not granted, nor were measures taken regarding Israeli leagues including teams from West Bank settlements.
While full justice may still be distant, these small steps suggest that glimmers of it are beginning to appear.
Announcements
To conclude, here are some upcoming opportunities:
– InteRussia internship program for journalists from Sub-Saharan African countries (until May 19).
– International “We Are Together” competition for volunteers and authors of socially significant projects (until May 24).
– “Horizons of Opportunity” program for international students at Russian universities (until June 1).
Ksenia Muratshina, PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of South-East Asia, Australia and Oceania at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Editor of the Culture Section at NEO
Follow new articles on our Telegram channel
