The leaders of the both countries' diplomatic missions, the Russian Minister of Economic Development and the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the audience with opening remarks. They were also the ones to put their signatures under the Memorandum of Understanding, thus proclaiming the extension of the Year of Exchanges.

The ceremony ended with a brief but exiting series of performances by Japanese and Russian dancers.

So, in what Russian-Japanese initiatives did Volgograd take part earlier?

August passed under the aegis of the Peace Memorial Ceremony and the International Youth Conference for Peace in the Future, co-organized and enthusiastically joined by our friends and partners from Hiroshima.

September stood out due to the School Alternative Festival "Japanese Cupboard", which finally got to take place in a live (!) format, showering the participants with colorful impressions and equally colorful photos.

In early October, the Russia-Japan Society brought numerous master classes, lectures and film screenings to Volgograd Regional Library for the Japanese Autumn" Festival, held with the support of the Embassy of Japan.

In mid-October, Volgograd residents took part in the Russian-Japanese Youth Forum, which united 6 pairs of sister cities, and together created the image of the "City of the Future".

At the end of October, a "Cities for Peace and Understanding" panel discussion was held at the International People's Diplomacy Forum with the support of the "Mayors for Peace" International Organization chaired by Hiroshima.

We are positive this year will be just as eventful, especially since Volgograd and Hiroshima are currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of their friendly relations.