Addis ababa: The Russian Language Day celebrated in Addis Ababa today would significantly contribute to enhancing people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer between Russia and Africa, Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin said.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, highlighted the importance of hosting such events at the UN Economic Commission for Africa. He emphasized that these gatherings are not only a tribute to a rich culture but also a testament to a strong partnership built on trust, deep historical ties, and mutual respect.
Ambassador Terekhin noted that even during the Soviet era, Russian universities educated tens of thousands of highly qualified specialists. African students, by studying in Russian, received a foundational education and mastered complex fields such as medicine, engineering, and public administration. Currently, around 35,000 students from various African nations are pursuing higher education at Russian universities, many through Russian government scholarships.
He expressed confidence that such events will further strengthen cultural ties and deepen mutual interest in the languages and traditions of both peoples.
UNESCO AU and ECA Liaison Office Director Rita Bissoonauth remarked on the broader significance of language, stating it is not just a means of communication but also a core part of identity. She emphasized that the loss of any language represents the loss of an irreplaceable source of knowledge and creativity.
Bissoonauth highlighted the distinguished place the Russian language holds in cultural heritage, recognizing it as a language of literature, science, philosophy, diplomacy, and artistic creation.
The Russian Language Day was marked with a variety of activities, including cultural dance performances, music, song, and poem readings. Celebrated worldwide on June 6 each year, the Day commemorates the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, a visionary whose legacy laid the foundation for modern Russian literature.