Russian House in Addis Ababa / Русский дом в Аддис-Абебе

“Russia as a State-Civilization”: Igor Chaika Explains How Rossotrudnichestvo Strengthens the Ties Between Compatriots Abroad and Their Homeland The strength and unity of the Russian people lie in their diversity. No matter how far a person lives from Russia or what language they speak in their everyday life, their cultural identity and spiritual values remain a bridge connecting them to their homeland. How to preserve this connection was discussed during the Rossotrudnichestvo session “Peoples of Russia: External Dimensions” at the International Week “Peoples of Russia”. Igor Chaika, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, identified supporting and bringing together compatriots abroad as a strategic priority. Igor Chaika recalled that Russia is a state-civilization, united by a common cultural code and shared spiritual values, which Rossotrudnichestvo promotes around the world. “The Russian Federation is home to more ethnic groups than there are countries registered with the United Nations. This diversity is the strength of the Russian Federation and of our multinational people.” The Head of the Agency also highlighted events that bring Russian compatriots abroad together. He noted that, against the backdrop of ongoing attempts by governments of unfriendly countries to close Russian Houses and cancel everything Russian, people continue to preserve their identity. “This year, more than 300,000 of our compatriots in over 60 countries took part in the Immortal Regiment marches. Wherever they live, they remain bearers of our traditional values.” At such moments, the unity of the Russian people becomes a source of strength and inspires support from those around them, regardless of the country in which our compatriots live. This year, Rossotrudnichestvo organised a series of initiatives for descendants of Cossacks living abroad. Representatives of Circassian diasporas from Israel, Jordan, Syria and Türkiye visited the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Following the visit, participants called for the programme to be expanded to include young people, and the Agency decided to extend it into 2027. Igor Chaika also spoke about the role of the Russian language, describing it as a connecting thread and one of the key instruments for preserving cultural identity. He noted that more than 13,000 people had enrolled in Russian language courses at Russian overseas institutions this year alone. “It is important to us that people know Russia is open to everyone, ready to create opportunities for development and always willing to lend a helping hand.” Igor Chaika also emphasised that Rossotrudnichestvo would continue its work even in places where attempts are being made to close Russian Houses and cancel Russian culture. Currently, the Agency operates 86 official representative offices in 70 countries, alongside more than 30 partner Russian Houses. A further 11 proposals for opening new centres are under consideration. The session was moderated by Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation. The discussion also featured Boris Chernyshov, Artur Latypov, Amadou Gambi, Ranjana Dewamitra Senasinghe and Fabrice Sorlin. The International Week “Peoples of Russia” is held annually pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 382 of 1 June 2026, which declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. This year’s theme is “Solidarity Among States Through the Unity of Peoples and Traditional Values”. The Office of the Security Council of the Russian Federation coordinates the events, while the Roscongress Foundation serves as the operator.