Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Mexico, Eduard Malayán, He greeted in one of the rooms of the Russian Embassy to talk about relations between Mexico and Russia, the growing interest in the Russian language in our country and the importance of cultural exchange between nations.

1 Mexico and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1890. How would you describe the degree of cultural exchange that has been and there are currently between the two nations?

From the beginning our relations have been characterized by mutual understanding, as well as its high degree of cooperation and friendship. We have different axes in our relationships, but the cultural vector has been one of the main. I can name great people of Russia as a ballerina Anna Pavlova, composer Igor Stravinsky or singer Chaliapin, who visited their country. The same trend was conceived hold in Russia after the Revolution, and Mexico were figures like the poet Mayakovsy and film director Sergei Eisenstein.

Great Mexican artists also visited our country, I can name the muralist Diego Rivera and the painter David Alfaro Siqueiros, Most importantly, we continue with that trend. For example, St. Petersburg had the exhibition of Frida Kahlo with very good reception, Mexico and the exhibition of Russian avant-garde painters at the Palace of Fine Arts was also held with great success, which it was visited by more than 250 a thousand people.

I think it is sufficient proof that our cultural relations are developing very effectively and, both the Russian people and the Mexican people, They are interested and support the growth of these relations.

2 From the 15 a 20 thousand compatriots who make up the Russian diaspora in Mexico, Some of the most frequent occupations are related to art (musicians, writers, painters). Have there been any concerns or specific approaches in this regard between the Embassy and artists to undertake projects in Mexico?

Indeed, among our compatriots living in Mexico there are many representatives of artistic circles as musicians, the painters writers. People are professions, as we call them in Russia.

The reason they are here is individual topic, but I think that, first of all, It is due to demand. For my part I can say I am proud that our musicians and artists contribute to the cultural life of Mexico.

We will provide moral support, precisely for this we have the Embassy, Our main objective is to support compatriots. Fortunately, until today there has not been any conflict between our artists and their employers, all is well in that regard and have not had to intercede, which it is explained by the fact that our citizens respect the law. They came to work and contribute to the development of this country.

3 It has evolved during the formation of associations seeking to hold events for both dissemination of Russian culture, and in support of compatriots who work in the arts, What role did the US Embassy in these initiatives?

Of course we have organizations, both in Russia and in Mexico that support the development of Russian culture. I would mention Mr. andrey Pakhomov, representative of the Russian state agency Rossotrudnichestvo, which is responsible for supporting the Russian culture abroad, and to promote the Russian language in different countries. I also present our aggregate of Cultural Affairs, Mr. Nikita Shalygin.

The support system for dissemination of national cultures in many countries, for example, in Germany, This function is fulfilled by the Goethe Institute; in France, Alliance Francaise; In England, el British Council, and also at their embassies include representatives dedicated to cultural issues. But we, Unlike our Western partners, We have a big problem: We do not have a cultural center, a separate building for this purpose.

In Mexico City often held events organized by our compatriots, and in cities across the country there are organizations created by the same Mexican. In the city of Puebla there is a center of culture Russian-Mexican, Playa del Carmen is a center of teaching Russian language, etc. And of course we support them, according to our possibilities.

Embassy pays close attention to work in the field of cultural relations because the political field, economic and trade go well, and these factors reinforce our relationships, but ties in the cultural and educational level directly link the peoples of our countries, why they are so important.

4 For you as a representative of a nation so rich in history, Tradition and culture, Which, would say, are the reasons for the need for consolidation and preservation of national identity through artistic expressions?

The issue of preservation of national identity, especially in the cultural sphere, I have every country in the world. For example, in any country they live Mexicans can find a Mexican restaurant, a Mexican organization or a meeting place.

It is a natural feeling, that nostalgia, or otherwise to call, the desire not to lose the roots, the links with the homeland. If we talk about Mexico, It exists as an independent country for more than 200 years, and what makes it a special country? First of all, which many peoples preserve their cultures, their traditions. We know you have more than 60 languages ​​besides Spanish, and all this makes its interesting culture, different.

Russians living in Mexico not only want to be part of Mexican society, but also retain ties with their homeland and it is quite natural that we support this process. In Mexico we have the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots in Mexico, SORUMEX, and also we support other entities formed by our compatriots. In a few weeks we will celebrate the Day of Unity of the People, annual commemoration for which we organized a reception. The desire of our compatriots to feel part of our country is a logical desire and we support.

5 In your opinion, What is the importance of conservation and dissemination of the Russian language in Mexico, both children of mixed families, as Mexican students?

The Russian language is one of the most widespread of the world, In addition to being an official UN language. They speak it over 150 million people living in Russia, and more of 25 millions of People living in the former Soviet republics, Not to mention the millions of people who live in other countries. Many times, the language is not only the symbol of culture, but what form your identity. It is natural that in many languages ​​you can not say "native" but "mother", for example, French is called "langue maternelle"; the language identifies you as a person, and the Embassy have the task of supporting people who want to keep.

The most interesting is that not only our compatriots are interested in the Russian language, many foreigners are eager to learn, Mexicans also. Almost all universities in Mexico there are schools that are dedicated to teaching Russian language and is very well. Just a few weeks ago, Selma Ancira, Mexican translator , He won the "Read Russia" award for the best translation of Russian literature into other languages. Last semester at the UNAM studied Russian almost 400 only people in the central campus, as throughout the country there are thousands of people who study.

Here in Mexico there is an association of teachers who teach Russian and try to support them through the provision of books and other materials. They meet regularly, at least once a year, for an exchange of views and hold a conference, which this year will take place in Zacatecas 21 and 22 October. Of course, I will visit this event and greatly desire to meet them, listen to your concerns and help where possible. Support the dissemination of the Russian language is one of our most important tasks.

6 What impressions have you receipt of Mexicans had regarding cultural samples by Russian compatriots, for example, in fairs or exhibitions, and with respect to interest in visiting, study or work in Russia?

I am pleased to note the reaction of Mexicans to the expressions of the culture of our country, even I get surprised at the depth of knowledge they have about our history and our culture. I consider it my task to make an effort to deepen this knowledge.

Every day, the Embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo office receives many letters with questions concerning the purchase of books, language learning, about travel or study in Russia, and we received many proposals from different small towns in Mexico to participate in educational fairs. I must confess that we lack resources to fulfill these desires in its entirety because the demand is higher than our possibilities, but nevertheless, we have this, very much appreciate this friendship and enthusiasm, and we try to respond in kind in Russia Mexicans.

We offer scholarships to Mexican students to study in Russia, All details can be found on the website of the Embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo. We channeled grants to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico and they make the decision. Hundreds of Mexicans studying in Russia, and not only those with government grants, but also those who go on their own.

7 Is there any plan of action derived from the area of ​​opportunity that involves mutual intercultural interest among Russian and Mexican peoples? What challenges they have or will have to face?

Of course, any organization, We can not live without plans. I hope that in December of this year in Moscow we sign a cooperation agreement in the cultural sphere with Secretary of Culture of Mexico, Rafael Tovar y de Teresa. We have concrete plans, It all depends on our financial possibilities, the willingness of both sides and the will of God. We hope to continue our activity in this area.

8 Could you talk a little about the initiative of the center of Russian culture and language that have sought to take shape some community members?

We wish to have our cultural center, often they ask us why we do not have. The issue is on our agenda, but there are still bureaucratic and legal procedures to resolve, and in particular we must fulfill negotiations with the Mexican side to sign a special agreement on the creation of this center, not only of Russia in Mexico, Mexico but in Russia. We continue to develop the work in this direction, and even without that center, We try to do everything possible to develop cultural cooperation.

9 Personally, What impressions did you have prior to your visit and stay in Mexico with regard to culture, people and the relationship with Russian compatriots?

I must confess that before my arrival in Mexico ago 3 years did not know this country, clear that Frida had seen the movie and I remember very well Tamayo exhibition in Moscow. I have known the names of painters such as José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera; Mexican music, tenors as Ramon Vargas or Javier Camarena, He knew something of Mexican culture. What is very interesting is that it came to this country when everyone argued about the end of the world, in December 2012, when he had completed the cycle of the Mayan calendar. Everyone talked about it and I was very interested and intrigued, I wondered if he was not afraid to go to Mexico and I said no. I am very pleased that reality exceeded my expectations.

In a couple of words, I can say that Mexico is a beautiful country, Here lives a beautiful and hardworking people, People with very broad spirit, with a rich culture and history deep, who are very close to us. I think it is the basis on which our relations are developing.

10 How you have been influenced as much Russian art from Mexico they have had contact with each other both artists considered, as nations?

I believe that the role of Ambassador, as a representative of the president and the country, It is possibly contribute to developing relations between the two nations in every direction, especially shafts where lies a mutual interest. Of course, It would be nice to get the results in such broad trade with, for example, with the United States or China, but keep in mind the distance. We understand that the United States are its neighbors, We have much available and plans, there are very specific directions that are being developed, particularly culture, and we pay special attention to relations in this area, without this meaning neglect in other areas.

Our relations are progressing in the commercial aspect, both Russian and Mexican companies are opening offices in both countries. In Moscow and other cities you can buy tortillas brand Gruma, and in Mexico some time ago began operations representing the oil company Lukoil . The outlook is favorable in several respects, but as I said, culture has a special place in our relationships, Considering the importance of the role played by the approach of Mexicans and Russians.

11 Beyond Russia and Mexico, How important do you consider is the cultural exchange between nations today?

In the world there is no country that does not understand the importance of cultural exchanges. These days the Cervantino Festival was held and he took part in some Russian musicians. It is 2016 is celebrated dual year Germany and Mexico, Last year was the year of the United Kingdom and Mexico. I mention this because the cultural exchange is an important tool in foreign policy, even between Russia and Mexico.

I am sure that our relations will continue to develop, and both Mexicans and Russians have many opportunities to enjoy the culture of both countries and witness the importance of this cultural exchange.

If you want to know more about the cultural exchange between Russia and Mexico, You can visit the official site Embassy of the Russian Federation in Mexico and office Rossotrudnichestvo.