Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sends a congratulatory message to the organisers and guests of the exhibition of masterpieces of the Prado Museum in the State Hermitage Museum
The document reads in part:
"I think that this international creative project will be a brilliant and impressive event – a dignified and a truly festive opening to the Year of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Spain and the Year of Spain in the Russian Federation.
"There are deep-rooted traditions of multi-faceted cooperation between our countries. One of the most substantial and rapidly developing areas of such close interaction is an active and fruitful dialogue between our great cultures, which have combined high spiritual and humanistic ideals for centuries.
"I am convinced that this representative exhibition, in all its brilliance showcasing truly unique treasures from the collections of Spain's principal museum, will be one of the central events of the Year of Russia in Spain and the Year of Spain in Russia. And the events themselves will be convincing evidence of the growth of mutual interest and trust between our peoples and their commitment to the development of friendly relations in the fields of culture, the arts and education."
