Russian Language Day Boosts People-to-People Ties, Knowledge Transfer: Ambassador Terekhin

Addis Ababa, June 4, 2026 —The Russian Language Day celebrated in Addis Ababa today would significantly contribute to enhancing people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer between Russia and Africa,   Ambassador Evgeny Terekhin said.  

In his remarks on the occasion, Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, said hosting such events at the UN Economic Commission for Africa is not only a tribute to a wonderful culture but also a testament to a strong partnership built on trust, deep historical ties, and mutual respect.

''Even during the Soviet era, our universities educated tens of thousands of highly qualified specialists. By studying in Russian, African students received a foundational education and mastered complex fields—from medicine and engineering to public administration," he noted.

According to him, around 35,000 students from various African nations  are currently pursuing higher education at Russian universities, with thousands doing so through Russian government scholarships.

He expressed his firm stance that such gatherings will further strengthen cultural ties and deepen mutual interest in the languages and traditions of the peoples.

UNESCO AU and ECA Liaison Office Director Rita Bissoonauth said language is not merely communication, but also identity.

So, "when a language disappears, humanity loses an irreplaceable source of knowledge and creativity,'' she stressed.

For her, the Russian language occupies a distinguished place in the cultural heritage of mankind as it is a language of literature, science, philosophy, diplomacy, and artistic creation.

The Russian Language Day, was marked with a wide range of activities, including cultural dance performances, music, song, and poem reading, among others.

The Day, which is celebrated worldwide on June 6 every year, marks the birthday of Alexander Pushkin—a visionary whose legacy laid the foundation for all modern Russian literature.