MOSCOW, June 8 (SUNA) — The Sudanese Cultural Days officially commenced on Monday in the Russian capital, Moscow, to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sudan and Russia. Organized by the Sudanese Embassy in Moscow, the three-day event is being hosted at the All-Russia State Library for Foreign Literature, an institution under the Russian Ministry of Culture. The launch saw broad participation from experts, academics, Russian government officials, foreign diplomats, members of the Sudanese diaspora, and Sudanese students in Russia. The Ambassador of Sudan to the Russian Federation, Mohamed El-Ghazali Siraj, told the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) that celebrating this milestone at the historic Library for Foreign Literature—founded in 1922—underscores the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. He underscored their shared belief in the power of cultural and popular diplomacy to strengthen bonds of friendship, noting that the shared cultural and historical affinities between the two peoples have evolved over decades through political will and the contributions of Sudanese students who studied in the Soviet Union and Russia. Many settled and married there, creating generations that embody the blending of both nations, symbolized in the event’s logo by the joining of the Nile and Moskva rivers. Ambassador Siraj added that the profound patriotism shared by the Sudanese and Russian peoples has successfully preserved their respective national sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign ambitions, while sustaining bilateral ties for seven decades. The cultural program features a diverse lineup highlighting Sudan’s rich heritage, its ancient civilizations, and its historic ties with Russia. This includes a photography and fine art exhibition titled “Sudan through Russian Eyes,” showcasing artworks by Russian artists who visited Sudan, alongside archival materials, photographs, and folklore handicrafts. These displays chart thousands of years of Sudanese history, stretching from the ancient Kingdom of Kush and its unique pyramids to the Christian Nubian kingdoms, the Islamic Funj Sultanate, and the Sultanate of Darfur. The event also features workshops, folk dance performances, fashion shows, and a culinary exhibition introducing the Russian public to the rich heritage of Sudan’s diverse tribes.Ambassador Siraj highlighted that the strength of these relations was vividly demonstrated by Russia’s steadfast support for Sudan as it faced existential threats due to the war launched by the rebel militia targeting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and cultural heritage. Russia was among the first nations to declare a clear, unequivocal stance backing Sudan. He also noted the prominent role played by cultural cooperation in excavating Sudanese antiquities, alongside ongoing efforts to recover stolen cultural artifacts and restore historical sites damaged by the militia.This context lends significant weight to the conference scheduled for the event’s second day, titled “The History and Culture of Sudan and Contemporary Reality in Dialogue with Russia.” Featuring prominent Russian scholars specializing in Sudanese affairs and members of the diaspora, the conference offers a vital platform to discuss the cultural assets of both nations and explore avenues to enhance scientific, academic, and cultural relations as a sustainable foundation for bilateral ties.The cultural days will conclude on June 10 with an official closing ceremony attended by representatives from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various government institutions, the Russian Parliament, the St. Petersburg government, the diplomatic corps, the Sudanese community, and Russian friends of Sudan. The final day will feature political, cultural, and symbolic segments reflecting the depth and durability of Sudan-Russia relations.BH/BH