Message of Irada Zeynalova, Ambassador of Russia to Mauritius, on the occasion of Russia’s National Day

The 12th of June each year marks Russia’s National Day – Day of Russia – and for me, it is a special occasion, as I celebrate it for the first time in Mauritius, together with all of you, as the Ambassador of Russia. For me personally, this day is a chance to take pride in our nation’s unique history, cultural diversity, and achievements. We celebrate the values that underpin Russian society – political and economic freedoms, racial and gender equality, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on and take pride in the friendship and our mutual success between Russia and Mauritius – everything we have developed and deepened over the past year. This day is a moment for Mauritius as well to reflect on the achievements of our partnership. We share a long-standing history of friendship, founded on enduring ties established on 17 March 1968, just five days after Mauritius’ declaration of independence. I am proud to say you that we not only cherish these relations, but continue to strengthen them – as our countries have chosen their paths and values and remain committed to them.

We have had many remarkable events this year. Among the most impressive ones that brought the entire island together were the concerts by the Gzhel Dance Ensemble and the visit of the historic sailing ship Kruzenshtern, which will mark its centenary next year. It was warmly welcomed not only by those who boarded it, but also by outstanding Russian athletes – kite surfers and surfers living on the island.

We carried out an incredible number of projects into which we poured our hearts. These included exhibitions of photographs and paintings by Russian artists, a conference on new energy sources, and the visit of the prominent cosmonaut Kud-Sverchkov, who proposed the idea of using Russian satellites for remote monitoring of the island’s surface to increase agricultural and transport efficiency.

We are proud to have gifted Russian Children’s Book Days to the island, encouraging children to read – an endeavor that is especially vital in today’s world. We donated books to Rodriguez and the National Library, and taught children to dance, draw, and read ancient birch bark letters. Of course, we also organized master classes by the Russian GITIS Theatre Academy, classical music concerts at the Conservatory and Caudan Arts Centre, a chess championship for the Mauritian team that played with our famous grandmaster Karyakin, as well as a karate kumite championship and open training sessions led by our restling champions for Mauritian athletes.

We even filmed a documentary about the rescue operation by Soviet sailors following Cyclone Gervaise – titled Friendship Beyond Cyclones, and we found unique photos for the exhibition. Among them – a photo of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the father of the Mauritian nation, with his wife and allies – set against the backdrop of the Lenin monument, a still powerful symbol for nations.

We are delighted that during this time we managed to send students to Russia — they will study there and return to the country to work for the benefit of Mauritius. We also welcomed Mauritian specialists to Russia to exchange experience in organizing transparent and fair elections — a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that the voice and the choice of the people are heard and respected.

It is particularly significant that this year, following in the footsteps of Sir Seewoosagur, the Government of Mauritius not only reinforced its own sovereignty but also succeeded in returning the sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. This is a historic act of fairness for Mauritius and its people. Russia has always supported Mauritius in this and will continue to do so – because in the 21st century, there must be no colonies. That time has passed. Peoples must be free and live with dignity.

It is symbolic that this year also marks not only the 50th anniversary of the rescue operation but the 80th anniversary of Great Victory in World War II – a milestone that reshaped the world, a monumental moment when the Soviet Union, alongside its allies, liberated the world from the Nazi hordes, defeated the brown plague. To understand what it means to our people, consider the fact that 27 million citizens of our country gave their lives for freedom – so that others would never be enslaved by those who sought to dominate the world. That is why, after liberating our own territory, our army continued to fight until all European countries were liberated.

Today, once again, Russia faces those who speak about racial purity, wear Nazi symbols, burn churches and people, forbid to choose language and religion. This is a horrible challenge that we are compelled to go through. And the countries of the Global South understand what is truly happening and why. We thank Mauritius for its position and neutrality – we value it. We thank all African nations and will always remember its support.

This is why I want to speak of the future – a future in which we can all be who we want to be. A shared future we are building for our children. We have planned many more cultural projects, internships, and student exchanges – to show our children the vastness and beauty of the world.

We invite Mauritius to continue what we have begun – when signed trade agreements with the Krasnodar Region and educational agreements with the University of Mauritius. We will pursue major projects in digitalization, filming, sports, and economics. Together with scientists from the Open University, we will continue to work in order to create an international laboratory of microplastics research – because we care about our planet’s future. Together with scientists from the Novgorod University, we will continue to support the blue economy and protect the ocean – the cradle of humans’ life and shared heritage of humanity.

We will continue the dialogue on food security in Africa, which began during the visit to Mauritius of Russian Minister of Agriculture Oxana Lut. We will continue to prioritize the health of the next generation – as seen during the visit of oncologist-gynecologist Dr. Sannikova, who worked with the New Oncology Centre to establish medical cooperation. We will continue to teach and learn – together.

Before coming here, to Mauritius, I was advised to walk the white sands, swim, and write a book. One day, I will do all these things. I will climb every mountain and dive to see the magnificent coral reefs. But before that, we have much work to do – to follow the path we have chosen: the path of proud, independent nations, whose children will be healthy, educated, and happy. This will be a worthy continuation of the journey we began together – 57 years ago, with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.

Russia is always ready to share its warmth, knowledge, and experience with its friends. As we say in my country, Russia has a generous soul – and shares it with all its friends. Russia is a country we love and whose path we defend alongside all the peoples of our nation.

This day, especially in my first year here, allows us to celebrate and reaffirm the strength of the relationship between our two countries. In these uncertain times, it is important to know who your friends are – and Russia hopes it has found a true friend in Mauritius.

My team and I at the Embassy of Russia look forward to achieving many more successes together in the years to come.