June 12, 2006 was the Day of Russia. All citizens of the country, regardless of where they are currently located, have joined the universal national holiday.
The Russian Embassy in Abu Dhabi hosted a festive reception, to which were invited employees of the Foreign Ministry and several other ministries and state departments of the UAE, heads and employees of diplomatic missions of different countries, journalists, Russian businessmen working in the Emirates.
Welcoming the audience, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United Arab Emirates Andrei Zakharov, in particular, said: "We are pleased to note today that the Russian economy is stabilizing and moving forward, that many social and economic problems are being successfully resolved in the country, national projects and programs initiated by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
Russian international authority is growing steadily, as our country pursues its independent national policy based on its own interests. This policy is honest and open, it is based on international law and takes into account the interests of the Russian people. What today is called the “dialogue of civilizations and cultures” in our multinational and multiconfessional country has always been, is and will be.
Of course, now Russia has gained a "second wind". Turning to our thousand-year history, I would like to note that we do not live in the present day, and, given the mistakes of the past, we are optimistic about the future. We have something to be proud of - victory in the Great Patriotic War, peaceful exploration of outer space, the creation of a mighty power with developed industry, science and so on. We take the best of the history of the country into service.
Today, for example, the ambassadors of many countries asked me: "And what is this - the anthem of the Soviet Union sounded?" No - this is the anthem of the new Russia. And this speaks of the connection of times. The period of negative attitude towards our history, especially its Soviet period, I think, is behind us. We part with what has hindered us in the past, but we take all the best practices with us into the future.
I am sure that the great future of Russia is ahead. And the main wealth of our country is people: talented, energetic, capable. This is manifested even here in the Emirates. For you, dear compatriots! For our Russia! "
The Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Mikhail Yudin also congratulated those present and noted: “Russian business has great potential. We are proud that the business community of the Emirates and Russia are paying more and more attention to the implementation of joint projects in various areas of the economy. We We are confident that successful bilateral cooperation will lead our countries to stunning results. "
