A work of art to celebrate the first cosmonaut to fly in space and strengthen cultural and educational relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of San Marino. These are the main meanings of the "Bust of Yuri Gagarin," unveiled yesterday afternoon in the Ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, the main seat of the University of the Republic of San Marino, by diplomatic and institutional representatives from Russia and San Marino. The work by artist Alexey D. Leonov, donated to the University by the International Public Charity Fund "Dialogue for Cultures – United World" with the support of the Embassies of the Russian Federation in Italy and San Marino, was appreciated by Russian Ambassador Sergei Razov, Italian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Nicola Renzi, and the Rector of the University of San Marino, Corrado Petrocelli. Prior to the event, the university's leaders met with the diplomat to explore the possibilities of educational and cultural collaboration.
"Today's ceremony comes at a particularly significant moment: it has been 25 years since the oldest Republic and the largest country in the world chose to elevate official relations to the highest diplomatic level," explained the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. "The bilateral agreement signed on September 30, 1993," Renzi continued, "consecrated the shared desire to consolidate existing relations at the consular level, increasing opportunities for exchange and mutual understanding. Our presence here today is intended to testify to this significant milestone. It also seeks to renew the feelings that bind us and celebrate the excellence of our relations, which are founded on mutual respect, dialogue, and honest debate."
"This work, enhanced by a display of San Marino stone and metal plates curated by our Design program, finds its ideal home at the University because it addresses the achievements of science and the desire for knowledge," the Rector commented. "From up here, the Earth is beautiful, without borders or frontiers, Gagarin said. This message is well-suited to an academic institution, as science means cooperation. Just today, by the way, we discussed with the Ambassador our relations with Russian universities, which will be intensified."
From left: the Rector of the University of San Marino, Corrado Petrocelli, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nicola Renzi, and the Russian Ambassador, Sergei Razov, during the ceremony.
Credits Photo MW