SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 'YEAR OF RUSSIA' IN INDIA

Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi , 5th December 2008

Your Excellency President Dmitry Medvedev,

Distinguished Members of the Russian Delegation,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, is a special day in India-Russia relations - President Medvedev is on his first visit to India. Also, the year-long celebrations within the framework of the 'Year of Russia' in India are being formally closed. This event, the first of its kind in the last two decades, has been instrumental in bringing the diversity of Russian culture to the Indian audience. It has met all expectations. Therefore, the closing ceremony evokes not only nostalgia but also a sense of achievement.

Wide ranging activities under the 'Year of Russia' have showcased the rich culture, history, art and traditions of Russia. The people of India saw the Russian cultural accomplishments in ballet, classical and rock music, folk dances, fashion, circus and cinema. Russia's participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair, as the Guest of Honour Country, brought Indian readers closer to Russia's outstanding classics and contemporary works. It provided an opportunity for Indian people to be exposed to and have a greater appreciation of Russia's strengths in industry, commerce, finance, science and technology. Events organized during the course of the year in areas of trade and economy such as the Russian National Exhibition in November and the Trade and Investment Forum in February have been major steps to boost our trade and economic cooperation.

The 'Year of Russia' in India has contributed to further consolidation of our bilateral ties. India and Russia are strategic partners. It also has brought greater awareness about Russia among the youth of India. I hope that the 'Year of India' in Russia would lead to a similar renewal of interest in India among Russian youth. The young generation will carry forward the traditions of friendship, warmth, respect and cooperation between our two countries. Our strategic partnership is aimed at all-round development of relations. Prosperity and well-being of our peoples are the objectives of this partnership. Through our joint efforts, we strive for better understanding of each other's ideas, thoughts, culture, traditions and society. And this is what these wonderful events aim to achieve.

I thank the leadership of Russia and all participants for making the 'Year of Russia' in India a successful and memorable event. We hope to live up to the standards exhibited by our Russian friends when the 'Year of India' will be celebrated in Russia next year.

Thank you.