Moscow: The Sudanese Embassy in Moscow, in collaboration with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, organized a cultural event titled ‘Sudanese Culture Week.’ The event coincided with the opening of the 8th session of the Sudanese-Russian Joint Ministerial Committee, which commenced on Monday in Moscow.
According to Sudan News Agency, addressing the event, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Hussein Al-Amin, spoke about the cultural relations between the two countries, highlighting the systematic destruction facing the cultural sector and the State’s efforts to revive it. For his part, the Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies thanked the Sudanese delegation and the Embassy in Moscow for their preparations for the accompanying exhibition, noting the institute’s longstanding relationship with Sudan and considering the event as a further development of that partnership.
Meanwhile, Head of the Russian Archaeological Mission to Sudan, Professor Elianor Kormishova, affirmed that Sudan is a country with an ancient civilization and rich culture. She expressed regret over the cultural and heritage assets lost during the war, which the mission had previously discovered and deposited in the National Museum. Deputy Director of the Sudanese Museums, Ms. Ikhlas, also spoke about the plundered antiquities and the ongoing efforts to recover them.
The program included a roundtable discussion on ‘Plundered Antiquities Due to War’ and a cultural exhibition on Sudan that highlighted the damage inflicted on the cultural sector, particularly museums, universities, libraries, and the National Records Office (NRO). The event also featured musical performances, including national songs and traditional dances, along with Sudanese cuisine.
The opening ceremony was attended by professors and students of the Institute, members of the Joint Ministerial Committee from both the Russian and Sudanese sides, the Sudanese community and their friends, as well as members of the diplomatic corps in Moscow. Media outlets such as RT Arabic, Sputnik Agency, and the African Initiative covered the event.