On the picture H.E. Ambassador Alexander Shulgin and spouse Natalia Shulgina.
With an outstanding turnout, the diplomatic community of The Hague celebrated Russian national day on 9 June.
The gardens of the embassy, every room inside and an enormous external lounge added specially for the occasion were all full. The long and distinguished list of attendees included ambassadors and diplomats from many countries, judges of the international courts, Dutch government officials, politicians, businesspeople, military officers, Russians living in the Netherlands, various associations, NGOs and many friends. A blue sky, perfect weather, children singing Russian songs, an accordionist, vodka and a splendid buffet in different parts of the embassy property together made it an enjoyable evening for all concerned.
Notable guests included the President of the Senate, H.E. the Honourable Ankie Broekers-Knol, and H.E. Mr Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
Before the celebrations started, H.E. Ambassador Alexander Shulgin delivered a meaningful speech, listened to attentively by the hundreds of people filling up every corner of the property.
“The date of Russia Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic on June 12, 1990, that marked the beginning of constitutional reform in the Russian Soviet state. Many years have passed since then, and our country has been overcoming all the challenges with which it has been confronted,” said the Ambassador.
“Twenty years later, Russia stands firmly on its own two feet. Our economy has grown several-fold. The prosperity and life expectancy of our people have greatly increased. Our country is home to more than one hundred and ninety nationalities, including over twenty million Muslims who live peacefully side by side.
“Russia pursues a policy of peace in the international arena. We advocate the supremacy of international law and a leading role for the UN in maintaining peace and order. We also call upon all parties to meet new challenges and tasks together.
“The Netherlands occupies a special place among our international partners, since our countries have a long-standing bond. Tsar Peter the Great studied various crafts here, and we have borrowed much from the hardworking Dutch people, including the colours of our national flag.
This year is very special. Two hundred years ago, Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia married the Prince of Orange, who would later become King William II of the Netherlands. Anna Pavlovna’s brother Emperor Alexander I, who defeated Napoleon, was an active supporter of the development of Dutch statehood. We attach great significance to the corresponding events that will take place in October.
“Despite hard times, cooperation between Russia and the Netherlands continues. The Netherlands is Russia’s second largest partner in terms of trade volume and cumulative investments, and we are actively carrying out common business projects. During the upcoming RusPrix event, we are planning to give awards to members of the Dutch society and business community who have contributed to bilateral business and cultural relations.
“To sum up, we have many reasons to look positively into the future when it comes to bilateral relations, and in a broader sense as well. In spite of new challenges that the world is facing including international terrorism, we can gather our efforts to overcome these difficulties on our way to a more secure and harmonious world.”
The Ambassador concluded: “On that positive note, I would like to finish my short speech by expressing hope for further development of Russian-Dutch relations and happy and peaceful future for both this generation and the ones to come.”
Following the speeches, the national anthems of the Netherlands and Russian Federation were played, and two trees were planted as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
