Sergei Naryshkin met with the Institut Francais [French Institute] President Xavier Darcos. Special Presidential Envoy for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi (left of Sergei Naryshkin) also took part in the meeting.
President of the Institut Francais Xavier Darcos.
Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin met with president of the Institut Francais and head of the committee to organise the Season of Russian Language and Literature in France and the Season of French Language and Literature in Russia Xavier Darcos.
During their discussion, Sergei Naryshkin emphasised that Moscow greatly values the level of development in the relations between Russia and France in all areas, including humanitarian cooperation.
“France has a wealth of experience in forming and implementing education and culture policy, which will certainly help as we organise events for 2012, when we hold the Season of Russian Language in France and the Season of French Language in Russia,” Mr Naryshkin remarked.
“The idea of holding these seasons was born within the framework of the megaprojects that we organised: the Year of Russia in France and the Year of Russia in France,” said Sergei Naryshkin.
During the reciprocal years, other projects were also launched, including a joint Russian-French Film Academy.
In turn, Xavier Darcos stressed that the French side is committed to holding these events not only because of the warm, friendly relations between Russia and France, but also because the French people have great respect for Russian culture.