MOSCOW, October 4 (Itar-Tass) - Ancient cultural relations unite Russia and Monaco, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said.
At the meeting with Prince Albert II of Monaco on Thursday, Patriarch Kirill said relations between Russia and Monaco should be given a new impetus.
The Prince of Monaco visits Russia when it marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Romanov dynasty. “The celebrations devoted to the Romanov dynasty were marked broadly. Russia noted the dynasty’s contribution to the development of our state,” the Russian patriarch told Albert II.
Patriarch Kirill mentioned Emperor Alexander II. He “was one of the first monarchs, who had been awarded the Order of Saint Karl”, he said.
Commenting on the development of bilateral relations, the patriarch noted: “Such names as composer Tchaikovsky, ballerina Anna Pavlova, entrepreneur Sergei Dyagilev and others were linked with the history of your country. We should also mention Feodor Chaliapin and Anton Tchekhov.”
Five years ago Patriarch Kirill visited Monaco. He saw many people, who spoke the Russian language. The patriarch named Monaco “a true humane bridge, which unites our countries”.
The Prince of Monaco said cultural relations had been given a new impetus. Albert II said he is hopeful that relations would develop in the future.
“My family and I open new aspects in your big country. I’m lucky: I saw Moscow and other Russian regions and I learn something new about your country’s culture and traditions every time,” Albert II said.
He thanked Russia for the aid to organizing expeditions to the North and South Poles. The prince visited the Poles in 2006 and 2009 to rivet attention to the environmental protection.