Op 11 februari vond in het Russisch Huis in Brussel een feestelijke avond plaats onder de titel “De kunst van diplomatie” ter gelegenheid van de Dag van de Diplomaat. Het evenement, georganiseerd met medewerking van de Ambassade van Rusland in België, bracht historische, culturele en muzikale elementen samen als belangrijke onderdelen van de diplomatieke dialoog.

De Russische ambassadeur in België, Denis Gonchar, richtte zich met een welkomstwoord tot de gasten — hoofden van buitenlandse diplomatieke missies, vertegenwoordigers van het diplomatiek corps, de Belgische samenleving en landgenoten. Hij benadrukte het belang van culturele interactie voor het versterken van internationaal wederzijds begrip en het ontwikkelen van banden tussen staten en volkeren.

The State Hermitage Museum joined the evening’s program online, adding special historical depth to the event. In his congratulatory message, the museum’s Director General, Mikhail Piotrovsky, spoke about the role of the Hermitage in the history of Russia’s diplomatic service. A special video tour, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire at the Hermitage,” was prepared for the professional holiday. It was dedicated to the eastern wing of the General Staff Building in St. Petersburg, where, in the ceremonial halls and offices of the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country’s diplomatic history was shaped.

The musical part of the evening continued the theme of cultural dialogue. Russian musicians — graduates of the Moscow State Conservatory and international competition laureates Diana Kokaeva (piano) and David Makhmudov (violin) — performed for the guests. Their program included works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev, whose anniversaries will be significant events in the world of music in 2026, as well as compositions by the Belgian composer Henri Vieuxtemps.

Vera Bunina, Director of the Russian House, noted that the universal language of art complements diplomatic efforts, expanding opportunities for international dialogue and helping to strengthen an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Visitors were presented with an exhibition specially prepared by the Embassy of Russia for Diplomat’s Day, dedicated to the lives and legacies of outstanding architects of Russian foreign policy from different eras — A. I. Osterman, A. R. Vorontsov, I. A. Kapodistrias, M. M. Litvinov, and others.

An exhibition created in 2023 by the Russian House in Brussels was also presented — “In Fraternitate et Caritate.” Russia and the West 500 Years Ago…, which tells the story of how, five centuries ago, an extraordinarily intense dialogue began between Russia and one of the largest Western European powers — as allies, “in brotherhood and love.”

The evening dedicated to Diplomat’s Day was rich and vibrant, becoming a space for lively dialogue, warm encounters, and sincere emotions. It brought together all those present in an atmosphere of mutual respect, professional solidarity, and shared celebration.