The Ambassador of Russia and Russian artist Bazjenova.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Russian Federation knows a unique holiday, Russia might be the only country in the world with such a professional holiday “Diplomats Day” celebrated on February 10.
Diplomats Day is considered to be the day of the foundation of the first Foreign Policy Department of Russia «Posolsky Prikaz» (Ambassadorial Board) in 1549. Observation of the holiday started in 2002.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157693971379005
On Monday, February 12, H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of he Russian Federation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, flung open the doors of his residence to celebrate the 2018 Diplomats Day with scores of Diplomats and other invitees in a context of joy.
After words of welcome Ambassador Shulgin went on to unveil a bust in honor of Fjodor Martens, a diplomat and jurist in service of the Russian Empire who made tremendous contributions to international law.
Further the Russian artist Bazjenova, put on a impressive performance of song and dance. Ambassador Shulgin continue with his speech by relating: “…. looking back at the history of Russian diplomacy we recollect Peter the Great, who himself was a far-sighted and skillful diplomat.”
“One of the highest-ranking Peter the Great’s diplomats, Count Andrey Artamonovich Matveev, became the first permanent envoy of Russia to the States General. Being a bright diplomat he could maintain strong ties with the local cultural circles. Some of the painting masterpieces purchased by him on the orders the Czar can be viewed nowadays the Hermitage Amsterdam. If you happen to visit the exhibition «Dutch Masters» in that museum you will also see a portrait of a daughter of the Ambassador by a famous Dutch painter Godfried Schalcken.”
“Speaking about diplomats and diplomacy here, in the Netherlands I cannot but to mention yet another Russian talented diplomat and lawyer, international arbitrator and historian – Fyodor Fyodorovich Martens. He made a significant contribution to the science of international law. The triumph of Martens as a jurist is associated with the organization and conduct of the First World Peace Conference in The Hague in 1899. And today I am honored to present to you a sculpture of Fyodor Martens by the famous Russian sculptor Alexander Taratinov. The work of art will be transported to Moscow and become a part of the museum of diplomatic service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
“The distinguished diplomats mentioned here laid a solid basis for the development of friendly relations between Russia and the Netherlands. Thanks to their historical achievements we look at the future of our relationship with optimism. “
“I am confident that existing imperfections in our relations will be overcome, and time-tested bilateral ties will help foster our cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, and for the sake of peace and security in Europe and around the world.”
