Representatives of Russia and African states discuss creation of museum of continent's countries in Moscow

A teleconference dedicated to the creation of the Museum of African Culture in Moscow was held at three venues in Russia, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. The dialogue was also attended by representatives of Benin, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Guinea, Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia.

Diplomats, representatives of ministries, museums and universities, journalists and collectors shared their vision of developing cultural ties between Russia and the African continent.

Ilya Ilyin, Dean of the Faculty of Global Processes and First Vice-President of the Russian-African Club at (Moscow State University) MSU, stated the need to expand humanitarian ties with African states. He reminded that work in this area is being carried out in accordance with the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin "Priority Steps in Africa" decree. Among them is the initiative to create the Museum of African Culture, which will be the only specialised institution of this kind outside the continent.

Tatyana Dovgalenko, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, believes that the Museum of African Culture will acquaint Russians with the diversity and identity of the continent's peoples. The new institution will become an important platform for educational, cultural and business events.

The diplomat noted the growing interest of the continent's inhabitants in Russia and their desire to receive education in creative specialities in Russian universities, where students from 20 African countries study today. 

In turn, Hoda Al-Saati, a representative of the Journalists’ Union of Alexandria (Egypt) and an active participant in cultural and historical events between Russia and Egypt, stressed the Russian side's desire to preserve and promote the heritage of African countries. In her opinion, the future museum should become not only a place for exhibitions, but also an educational space.

Photo: iStock