International Alexander Pushkin Association opens in Brazilian city

The International Alexander Pushkin Association has opened in Niteroi, Brazil, with the aim of developing cultural ties between countries, reports Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS.

The initiative aims to create new platforms for interaction in cultural and technological projects, provide jobs for young people, and improve the skills of Brazilian students. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the BRICS countries: Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia.

The most striking event was the artistic reading of poet Alexander Pushkin's poems in Russian and Portuguese.

"The history of scientific and cultural co-operation between Russia and Brazil goes back more than 200 years," emphasised Pavel Grass, a Brazilian of Russian origin who has taken up the position of president of the new association.

He recalled that today the two countries actively co-operate in various spheres: from the supply of pharmaceuticals and diesel fuel to scientific research and culture. 

There is also an active exchange in education: Russian specialists teach at Brazilian universities, and hundreds of students from Brazil qualify at universities in Russia in key fields such as medicine and engineering.