13 Nov 2007
A delegation of the Russian capital led by Head of the Moscow Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations Georgiy Muradov visited Rome (Italy) on November 9-11
The main purpose of the visit was to participate in the conference arranged by the Association of Russian Compatriots in Italy and inspect the construction-in-progress of the church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr.
Representatives of Russian diasporas from over 20 cities of Italy took part in the forum. In his opening speech Georgiy Muradov noted the importance of mutual relations between Russian-speaking communities in Italy and conveyed the greetings of Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov to the forum participants.
Special attention was given to protecting the rights and interests of Russian compatriots and providing the necessary assistance to them; supporting the parish of the Russian Orthodox Church; expanding the network of schools with teaching in Russian; educating young compatriots and instilling the loyalty to Russian spiritual and cultural traditions in them.
The construction of an Orthodox church in the Italian capital is a unique event in the labours of the Russian Orthodox Church, which sets a new milestone in the history of relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Christians.
The church is to be completed by June 2008. It is expected that Alexius II, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and Pope Benedict XVI will take part in the inauguration ceremony.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
09 Nov 2007
On the 8th of November, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met with a delegation of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) headed by its National Director Abraham Foxman and National Chairman Glen Lewy
The Anti-Defamation League is one of the oldest, well-established and influential Jewish organizations. Founded in 1913, the League is dedicated to countering anti-Semitism, religious and ethnic intolerance in the USA and abroad. ADL has over 30 regional branches in the United States and three international offices - in Jerusalem, Moscow and Vienna.
Yuri Luzhkov noted considerable improvements in the ethnic minority rights situation in Moscow at the moment.
Glen Lewy said that he would like to share the methods and guidelines developed by ADL in fostering tolerance and banishing xenophobia and racism with Moscow. In his turn, the Moscow Mayor expressed readiness to provide similar materials prepared by the Government of Moscow.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
06 Nov 2007
A delegation of the Russian capital led by First Deputy Mayor in the Moscow Government Yuri Roslyak visited the German city of Wiesbaden from October 30 to November 2 to take part in the Moscow Economy Days in Hesse
The Forum on Research, Technology and Industrial Cooperation between Moscow and Hesse became the keynote event of the Days. The Forum was opened by First Deputy Mayor in the Moscow Government Yuri Roslyak and Hesse’s Prime Minister Roland Koch. Moscow and German experts addressed a wide spectrum of issues in the area of finance, energy and energy-saving technologies, automotive industry, ecology and nanotechnologies.
The business agenda of the Days featured round tables and workshops on bilateral cooperation in the sphere of city transport (design and operation of modern transportation systems), urban development (city planning register system) and healthcare.
The delegation also toured the suburbs of Frankfurt am Main to see the construction-in-progress of the new residential district of Riedberg and visited the industrial enterprise Fresenius AG, a leading supplier of pharmaceuticals and the medical equipment for haemodialysis.
In course of the visit Yuri Roslyak met with Alois Rhiel, Hesse’s Minister of Economy, Transport and Regional Development, to review the results of the Moscow Economy Days in Hesse and outline the prospects for further cooperation. Yuri Roslyak and Alois Rhiel signed a Communiqué summarizing the results of the Moscow Economy Days in Hesse.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
26 Oct 2007
The opening ceremony of the Ligurian textiles exhibition ‘Genova Mezzaro’ was held on the 25th of October 2007 at the Pushkin State Museum of Arts in Moscow. This display featuring exhibits from private collections of Genoa was arranged by the Italian Institute of Culture with the assistance of Moscow's Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations, Department of Culture and Committee on Cultural and Historical Heritage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony were Alberto di Mauro, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Moscow; Vadim Danilin, First Deputy Head of the Moscow Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations; and Roberto Poggi, Head of Genoa City Council’s Culture and Museum Department.
The exhibition will continue until November 24.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
18 Oct 2007
On October 17, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met with representatives of Daimler-Chrysler Automotive RUS, a branch of the world-leading automotive consortium in Moscow: President and CEO Juergen Sauer and Daimler Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia Director Joseph Schmidt
They discussed avenues for cooperation between Moscow and the Daimler Corporation. Joseph Schmidt who is Stuttgart's responsible for Russia-oriented policies of Daimler noted the positive results of the company’s activities in Moscow, stressing the fact that there are still more ample opportunities for cooperation.
Yuri Luzhkov and Juergen Sauer reviewed a number of Daimler’s investment projects, including the construction of a new logistic centre and a cargo truck sale and service centre.
Special attention was paid to Daimler’s social responsibility projects in the sphere of education and culture. The company plans to enable the training of Russian graduates for further professional career as automotive managers and the vocational training of students from Moscow's technical and polytechnic schools in the framework of the Mercedes-Benz Academy project.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
15 Oct 2007
First Deputy Mayor of Moscow in the Moscow City Government Yuri Roslyak met with President of Vorarlberg Economic Chamber Kuno Riedmann (Austria)
Yuri Roslyak welcomed a high level of progress in Moscow-Austrian relations and gave an account of the Russian capital’s main growth trends, the Moscow Government’s activities in supporting small and medium businesses, and the investment policies.
Kuno Riedmann touched upon the region’s industrial development and noted that Moscow and Vorarlberg share some common problems related to transport and energy. He also expressed his interest towards bilateral contacts in the sphere of innovative technologies and tourism.
An important point of the meeting became partnership opportunities between the Moscow City Government and the Austrian company АТ Inventure Forschung und Entwicklung GmbH – the manufacturer and operator of audio-visual systems used in advertising, marketing and video projection. It was suggested to deploy the TOLOS audio-visual system in the Russian capital to enable a global communication and cultural exchange between the cities and countries. Yuri Roslyak accentuated the feasibility of the project and promised to consider the options for its implementation in Moscow.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
11 Oct 2007
On the 10th of October a monument to soldiers of the Normandie-Niemen air squadron that later became known as regiment was unveiled in the Moscow district of Lefortovo by Presidents of Russia and France Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Sarkozy
“We are unveiling this monument to the legendary air regiment in sincere gratitude to the Russian and French soldiers and officers who fought shoulder to shoulder against Nazism”, Vladimir Putin said at the opening ceremony. He recalled that another Normandie-Niemen monument had been fixed up at the Le Bourget airfield last year, where France once welcomed its heroes in the victorious year 1945. “Russia remembers the uncompromising struggle against fascism by the Free French, by all forces of the Resistance”, Vladimir Putin stated. He added that Russian people would always have in remembrance “how courageously French patriots acted when they stood up in defence of the honour, freedom and dignity of France during that dramatic period in history”.
President Putin underlined that the combat record of the Normandie-Niemen Squadron knows examples of heroism and self-sacrifice for the sake of the common goal – the Great Victory. “This chapter of history determined the unique spirit of trust and mutual support that has been characteristic of relations between Russia and France to the present time”, the Russian President was quoted as saying. He emphasized that the soldiers of that war had survived and defeated the horrible enemy by joint efforts, giving a future to the world. “Today, World War II veterans are the most honourable participants in this ceremony”, Vladimir Putin said.
Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov who was present at the ceremony stated that by opening the monument in Moscow Russia once again paid tribute to the memory of those who fought against fascism. “It is a symbol of our intention to prevent such direful events in the future and a token of friendship between Russia and France”, he noted.
Reference: the legendary squadron that became then known as Normandie-Niemen Regiment was established 65 years ago, on the 1st of October 1942. It dates back to the order on creating a volunteer air unit at the Soviet territory, composed of French pilots who decided to engage in battle against fascism. The regiment owes the first part of its name to the French province of Normandy, severely depleted by Nazi occupants. The second part was added later in remembrance of the regiment’s activity during the crossing of the River Neman.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
03 Oct 2007
The Week of Hong-Kong was celebrated in Moscow on September 25-29 with massive success as part of the Year of China in Russia
The extensive agenda of the event was designed to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Moscow and this special administrative district of China. Corporate executives were given an opportunity to establish close business relations, while Muscovites and guests of the Russian capital were exploring the range of Hong-Kong's food and industrial products, the culture and art of its inhabitants.
Deputy Mayor of Moscow in the Moscow Government Valery Vinogradov and People’s Republic of China Hong Kong SAR Government Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma Si-hang took part in the official opening ceremony of the Week of Hong-Kong, held in the Moscow International Performance Arts Centre.
The Manezh Central Exhibition Hall hosted the exposition show ‘Hong-Kong Style in Moscow’ representing more than 200 Hong-Kong companies - leading manufacturers of fashion clothes, consumer electronics and various accessories.
Nearby the photo exhibition ‘Hong-Kong’ was opened, displaying ways and traditions, life and culture of that ancient country; and a fashion parade by Hong-Kong designers and stylists was held.
To the entertainment of music lovers were concerts by the famous Hong-Kong Chinese Orchestra that performed not only a variety of national music pieces, but modern compositions of different style and setting.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
01 Oct 2007
Professor Murray Gell-Mann, the prominent scientist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, visited Moscow on September 22-27, 2007 at the behest of the Government of Moscow
In course of his visit Mr. Gell-Mann participated in the theoretical conference ‘The Structure of the Atom: New Ideas and Prospects’ arranged by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research with the assistance of the Moscow Government. The conference was attended by the country's foremost scientists from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, as well as guests from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.
Professor Gell-Mann visited the Lomonosov State University of Moscow (MSU) at the invitation of its Rector, Academician Viktor Sadovnichiy, where he gave a lecture to students and the faculty. The MSU Academic Council awarded Professor Gell-Mann with a title ‘Honorary Doctor of the Moscow University’.
A reception in honour of the Nobel winner was held in the Moscow City Hall on behalf of Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. Among the guests were executives of the Moscow Government, representatives of the research and education community, public and cultural figures.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
26 Sep 2007
The Days of Moscow were held on September 19-20 in Dusseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia. This year, the Days were timed to the commemoration of 15 years of partnership between the two cities
A delegation from the Russian capital led by Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov actively contributed to the event.
The Forum on Research, Technology and Industry Cooperation became the focal point of the Days. In their speech at the Forum, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and Düsseldorf Lord-Mayor Joachim Erwin underlined that the Days of Moscow in Düsseldorf afforded unique opportunities both for strengthening existing partner relations and forming new business contacts. Participants and guests of the Forum discussed various issues of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of industrial production, construction, healthcare, public safety, science and information technology.
During the negotiations, Yuri Luzhkov and Joachim Erwin addressed relevant economic cooperation projects that would contribute to a growing economy and improved quality of services in both cities. The parties signed a joint Communiqué on the development of economy, research, technology, and culture partnership. The document, in particular, provides for a further expansion of the ‘Metro’ store chain in the Russian capital and the construction of new ‘Real’ shopping centres.
During his visit to Germany, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met with Thomas Köster, CEO of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts. They discussed the need for reforms in the Russian capital’s vocational education system. It was agreed to set up a Moscow-Düsseldorf Workgroup on implementing the cooperation project in the area of technical education.
Apart from business meetings and negotiations, an extensive cultural program was offered to participants and guests of the Days of Moscow in Düsseldorf.
The festive agenda included a gala concert by Moscow Academic Chamber Orchestra ‘Musica Viva’; an art exhibition ‘Russian Meetings with Goethe’; an exposition ‘Historic Parallels. Moscow-Düsseldorf’ by Moscow City Museum; a photo exhibition in Düsseldorf subway; a week of Russian movies directed by Karen Shakhnazarov; and a fashion parade by Moscow designers and stylists.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
24 Sep 2007
On September 17–20, the Russian capital hosted the Hessian Economy Days in Moscow, held for the second time already. The delegation from Hesse - one of the most developed federal states in Germany – was led by Alois Rhiel, the Hessian Minister of Economy, Transport and Regional Development
Moscow and German experts addressed a wide range of issues in the sphere of energy and energy-saving technologies, transport and finance, architecture and urban development, health care and telecommunications, and information technology.
During the Days, the German guests also met with First Deputy Mayor in the Moscow Government Yuri Roslyak. Yuri Roslyak dramatized the importance of the Hessian Economy Days in Moscow and the need for a broader bilateral partnership.
The negotiations culminated in the signature of the Memorandum on Further Development of Partnership between Moscow and Hesse. The document provides for bilateral cooperation in construction engineering (rehabilitation of urban industrial estates), information technology, financial consulting, as well as energy and health service.
It was also agreed to hold Moscow Economy Days in Hesse on October 31 – November 1 this year.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
21 Sep 2007
On September 19-20 a delegation from the Russian capital led by Head of the Moscow Department of Transport and Communications Leonid Lipsits visited Berlin to participate in the ‘City in Motion’ Conference
The forum assembled European Parliament members, entrepreneurs, heads of municipal and local authorities, representatives of transportation and non-government organizations, and members of the scientific and cultural community.
Topical issues of the everyday life and economic development of modern metropolises and prospects for mutually advantageous relations were discussed at its plenary sessions and round tables.
Leonid Lipsits met with Friedemann Kunst, Head of the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development. They agreed on further cooperation in addressing traffic problems of the two cities.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
19 Sep 2007
A presentation of «The 2007 – The Year of the Child in Moscow programme» will be held in UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris on September 23.
The event will feature a photo exhibition on the theme, master classes of Russian traditional crafts and graphic arts for children, and a charitable auction sale of children's drawings.
A concert of children’s artistic bands will be delivered.
The UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura will take part in the presentation.
The delegation from Moscow will be headed by the First Deputy Mayor of Moscow in the Moscow Government Lyudmila Shvetsova.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government
17 Sep 2007
On September 15 the German automotive consortium Porsche opened its first and the only in Russia sales and technical centre
Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Porsche President Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking were present at the opening ceremony.
This major automotive centre located at the Leningradskoe Shosse accommodates the headquarters of Porsche’s representative office in Russia, service facilities, spare parts warehouse and a show room with detailed information on Porsche's model range.
The German automotive company Porsche with its seat in Stuttgart was founded in 1931 by the famous engineer Ferdinand Porsche Sr. as a design firm. Long years of fruitful cooperation connect the automotive consortium with Moscow.
Information Centre of the Moscow City Government