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04 June 2012, 17:41Lavrov: Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society helping "build up Russian presence" in M. East
Moscow, June 4, Interfax - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has credited the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society with helping "build up Russian presence in the eastern Mediterranean, primarily in Holy Land."
"I congratulate you on the significant date, the 130th foundation anniversary of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society," Lavrov said in a message to a Society conference posted on the ministry's website, on Monday.
"There are quite many examples in the history of the Society of selfless work in the name of perpetual values, the promotion of ideals of virtue and tolerance, and the development of cultural ties between the people of Russia and the Middle East," he said.
"Today the intensive and diverse activities of the IOPS help build up Russian presence in the eastern Mediterranean, primarily in Holy Land," the minister said.
"Among the latest significant events is the return of the gem of Russian Palestine - the St. Sergius Mission in Jerusalem - into the ownership of the Russian Federation. In January 2011, a Russian museum and park complex was opened in Jericho, and the launching of the Russian Science and Culture Center in Bethlehem, situated on a plot of land that has been handed over to the IOPS by the Palestinian National Authority, is on the agenda. There is also a plan to build a 'Russian' school where 450 children will be able to study," Lavrov said.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs puts high value on the contribution of the Society to the cause of strengthening the prestige of our country in the Middle East and expanding diverse relations between Russia and the nations of the region. We are determined to continue to render all forms of support to its noble mission," he said. |
