Doha, February 12 (QNA) - Qatar inaugurated the Russian Cultural Week on Thursday at the Darb Al Saai venue, in a move aimed at deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.

The opening ceremony was jointly led by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE Russia's Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

The event is part of Qatar's broader strategy to promote intercultural dialogue and expand cultural cooperation with nations around the world.

HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, and HE Russian Ambassador to Qatar, Dmitry Dogadkin, attended the ceremony, alongside several other foreign ambassadors and a large audience.

The first day of the festival showcased a range of performances reflecting the depth and diversity of Russian culture. Audiences enjoyed traditional music, folk songs, and dances, offering a window into Russia's rich cultural heritage.

Director of International Cooperation at Qatar's Ministry of Culture, Nasser Al Malki, told Qatar News Agency that the initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties between Qatar and Russia, which share long-standing diplomatic and cultural relations. He added that the festival allows the Qatari public to explore Russia's artistic and social traditions, highlighting the country's historical and cultural identity.

The Russian Cultural Week marks the conclusion of Qatar's cultural weeks this season, which also featured Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. According to Al Maliki, the initiative has successfully promoted cultural understanding and reinforced diplomatic relations, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy.

During the opening, organizers also announced Kazan as the Islamic World Cultural Capital, with an official inauguration planned for May 14 at the International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum". The year's program will include a wide range of activities showcasing Tatarstan's history, multicultural heritage, and contemporary developments.

The Russian Cultural Week offers visitors an immersive experience of Russia's artistic and culinary traditions. The program features folk and contemporary performances, handicraft exhibitions, painting and visual arts workshops, and live demonstrations of Russian cuisine.

Highlights include an exhibition of Russian folk costumes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, curated by historians from across Russia, and a textile exhibition featuring works by both professional artists and amateur craftspeople from different regions of the country.

Qatar's Ministry of Culture emphasized that the cultural weeks serve as an active platform for fostering intercultural dialogue, reinforcing the country's position as a hub for international cultural exchange, and building bridges between different cultures. (QNA)