The activity was attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Sergey Mélik-Bagdasárov; the Minister of People’s Power for Culture, Ernesto Villegas; the Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs and Chancellor of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yván Gil; the Minister of People’s Power for Tourism, Leticia Gómez, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country. The authorities present accompanied the inauguration of the exhibition “Great Patriotic War”, a photographic journey through the Soviet gesture in the Second World War, fought during 1418 days.
The Minister of People’s Power for Culture, Ernesto Villegas, assured that this event is “an act of historical justice” to thank the Soviet army and people for their decisive role in the liberation of humanity from Nazi-fascism. “They have tried to undermine the Soviet Union’s participation in the outcome of World War II, but they will not be able to do so. The Western powers have tried to rewrite history, but the truth is as enormous as the flag hoisted on the top of Waraira Repano. So powerful is that flag that was raised in 1945 that they will never be able to erase its colors or its meaning”, he asserted.
In this regard, the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Venezuela, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, stressed that the flag of the Soviet victory that today flies under the Venezuelan sky is the largest that has been raised outside Russian territory.
He stressed that it is a symbol of the heroism of the Soviet soldier, of the triumph of life over death, of light over darkness and of good over absolute evil. “This flag is a our joint response to those who want to erase the memory and impose a new lie. The Great Patriotic War was not simply a military campaign: it was a struggle for the future of the world, for the right of peoples to live in freedom, to speak their language, preserve their culture and believe in justice,” he said.
He assured that Venezuela and Russia are moving forward together towards peace, freedom and human dignity. “We are united not only by the past but also by a shared present, a common aspiration for independence, truth, justice and the victorious future of the pluripolar and multicentric world. As the great Commander Hugo Chávez said ‘we must unite to be more and more free, independent and sovereign’ ”, he stressed.
For his part, the Chancellor of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yván Gil, invited the progressive and revolutionary forces of the world to unite to defeat the resurgence of fascism with courage, patriotism and conviction of freedom. In addition, he expressed his solidarity to Russia, on behalf of Venezuela. “Today we vindicate the Russian people, the idea of true freedom, sovereignty, self-determination and defense of humanity,” he said.
Likewise, the Minister of People’s Power for Tourism, Leticia Gómez, highlighted the importance of tourism management as a bridge between cultures and a tool for peace. “May this commemoration encourage in all of us the spirit of resistance, hope and the construction of a world where peace will always prevail over war, life over destruction and love over hate. Eternal glory to the peoples who defeated fascism! Long live the brotherhood between Venezuela and Russia!”, she said.
The event was enlivened with the dance of the “Waltz of Victory”, performed by the Eurasian Institute for America and the Caribbean. Then, the public enjoyed the presentation of the Simon Bolivar Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Boris Paredes Arzolay, and the participation of the Grenada Group, which traveled from Russia to Venezuela to present a repertoire of emblematic musical themes for both nations.