Official representative Of the International women’s Union on Russian-Italian cooperation.

Claudia Gaponova-official representative of the International women’s Union in the Republic of Italy (Rome).

Bilateral relations between Russia and Italy have a long history. The Italian Republic firmly occupies one of the leading positions among the main partners of the Russian Federation in Europe and in the world as a whole. Despite the difficult situation in the international arena, as well as the internal political instability characteristic of Italy and frequent changes of Government, cooperation between Russia and Italy in many areas, including culture and tourism, is developing comprehensively and dynamically in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

Italy is a country of high culture, style, fashion, tourism, and the famous “Made in Italy” label. The national brand is without a doubt one of the most beloved and attractive brands in the world. Today, the very word “Italy “evokes associations with the words” culture”,” history”,”masterpiece”. Russians love and appreciate food products coming from Italy: Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, coffee “Lavazza”, buy children “Nutella”, and get a fresh breath from the dragee “Tic-Tac”. Russian cities have cafes and restaurants with Italian symbols, including pizzerias and pastry shops. The boutiques present the latest collections with the talking brands “Gucci”, “D&G”, “Fendi”. An element of Italian culture and style is now an integral part of everyday life.

The interest in mutual cooperation on the part of the business circles of both countries, of course, remains at a high level. Despite the current regime of sanctions and counter-sanctions, many well-known Italian companies are successfully operating in Russia: Cremonini, Ferrero, Barilla, etc. Russia provides the necessary support to create comfortable conditions for foreign investors to conduct business in Russia.

In turn, Italians highly appreciate elements of Russian culture, as well as brands and related products. Italian tourists are happy to bring traditional Souvenirs, including nesting dolls, products with Khokhloma paintings, as well as gastronomic delicacies-caviar, venison, bear meat, etc.

Tourism occupies a special place in the relations between Russia and Italy. The stereotype of Italy-a country with a luxurious nature, shining skies, and azure sea – is key in promoting its recreational image. According to a study by the Interfax news Agency, Italy is the most dynamically developing destination for mass recreation of Russians in Europe.

As a representative of the international women’s Union, I promote the tourism resources of Italy: natural, ecological, historical, cultural and artistic values, as well as organizing recreational activities, meetings, business trips and excursions for the women’s business community.

Round tables and thematic seminars are held. So, in October 2019 a new era in medical and surgical methods of treatment of Oncology was held in Moscow at the site of Delovaya Rossiya LLC under the leadership of “Health Atlas” group and Raphael group of Italy, the international women’s Union was a partner of the event.

The event was widely covered in the press. It was attended by Italian doctors and businessmen. This is just one of the many examples of successful activities of the international women’s Union in the Italian direction.

International women’s Union also organizes short-term trips to the Russian Federation for representatives of political, public, scientific and business circles of Italy to get acquainted with the socio-political, socio-economic, scientific, educational and cultural life in the Russian Federation and to prepare proposals for the development of cooperation between Russia and Italy.

Separately, it should be noted that tourist flows to Italy have decreased due to the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. This had a negative impact on the economic situation in Italy. Many countries supported Italy in the fight against Covid-19, including Russia, for which the political circles and the people of Italy expressed gratitude. Currently, Italy has passed the peak of the pandemic, tour operators believe that the country’s borders will remain closed for some time, until the epidemic finally stops. Based on this, experts expect the restoration of tourist traffic by the end of the year.

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