On April 22, 2025, the “VI Week of Russian Diplomacy” was launched at the Primakov Centre. This year’s theme was sports diplomacy.
This significant event brought together experts, diplomats, athletes, and government representatives interested in developing international cooperation and promoting Russia’s positive image through sports.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming speeches by distinguished guests, setting the tone for the entire week.
Mikhail Mikhailovich Leonov, Vice-Rector for Educational Work and Youth Policy at Samara University, opened the event by highlighting the university’s contribution to training specialists in international relations and emphasizing the importance of sports diplomacy for young people.
Yevgeny Alexandrovich Primakov, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, in his welcoming address, noted the key role of public diplomacy—particularly sports diplomacy—in strengthening humanitarian ties and shaping an objective image of Russia abroad. He stressed that sport is a universal language understood by all nations.
Mikhail Vladimirovich Degtyarev, Minister of Sports and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, focused in his speech on the tremendous potential of sports diplomacy in advancing Russia’s interests on the global stage. He emphasized that Russia has always been and remains open to cooperation in sports, based on principles of fairness and mutual respect.
Dmitry Valentinovich Abramov, Head of the Department of Investment and Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of the Samara Region, pointed out that sports are not just about health and achievements but also a powerful driver of economic growth and regional investment.
Alexey Valeryevich Chupakhin, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s representative in Samara, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Foreign Ministry and regional authorities in implementing foreign policy objectives. He noted that sports diplomacy is an effective tool for strengthening international ties at the regional level.
Following the opening speeches, Section 1 commenced, where experts and participants began discussing pressing issues in sports diplomacy.
Photo: Alexander Zaitsev | “Illuminator” Photo Club named after V.A. Kakovkin
