During World War II, the cruiser was taking part in Arctic Convoys delivering supplies to the USSR. All works to restore the ship’s masts were carried out by Russian companies, including Severnaya Verf, Sovcomflot, and others.
Sergei Naryshkin also had meetings with Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Edward Llewellyn and Secretary of the National Security Council of the United Kingdom Peter Ricketts.
The politicians engaged in a topical exchange of views on current issues in bilateral relations and cooperation on the international arena. Sergei Naryshkin described the discussion, which took place on Downing Street, in positive terms, noting that Russia advocates for constructive and equitable dialogue, as well as the development of contacts with UK partners in various areas.
Mr Naryshkin expressed satisfaction with momentum in the development of trade and economic ties between Russia and the UK. Following a meeting with London Stock Exchange representatives, Sergei Naryshkin emphasised that this financial platform where some 55 Russian companies currently trade their securities is very important for Russian businesses which demonstrate there fairly good results, given Russia’s relatively young market economy.
The final stop on Mr Naryshkin’s London itinerary was a visit to the Calvert 22 Gallery, which is currently holding Sea Stories exhibition by Russian artist Alexander Ponomarev.
Founded by Nonna Materkova, a Russian born, London based economist, Calvert 22 was launched in May 2009 in Shoreditch, East London. The mission of this UK’s only not for profit foundation is to present the very best in current art and culture from Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as promote discussion and dialogue which aims to interrogate existing preconceptions about the art and culture of those regions and propose new possibilities for cross cultural understanding and exchange. Calvert 22 presents four to five exhibitions a year from both emergent and more established contemporary artists, each accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue and programme of related talks and events. In addition, Calvert 22 hosts a range of events, performances and activities that explore wider aspects of Russian and Eastern European culture. Entrance to the Gallery is free.