DAYS OF RUSSIAN CULTURE BEGIN IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Sept 23 (Hina) - The Days of the Culture of the Russian Federation in Croatia commenced on Saturday evening with a gala concert in the Croatian National Theatre (HNK).#L# The event was ceremonially opened by Russian Culture Minister Mikhail Shvydkoi and his Croatian counterpart Antun Vujic. The great Russian culture, which has always impressed us, is coming back to Croatia, Minister Vujic said adding that culture could open up opportunities for cooperation in other areas. For the first time since the establishment of the Russian Federation an the Republic of Croatia, the Russian culture days are being held in Croatia, said Russian minister Shvydkoi. He added that Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik were magic words for many Russian artists and musicians who had often performed their programmes in those Croatian cities. The Days of the Culture of the Russian Federation, will last by 27 September, and Russian musicians and bands will give their concerts not only in Zagreb but also in the coastal city of Rijeka and on the island of Krk. Earlier on Saturday evening Croatian President Stjepan Mesic received the Russian minister Shvydkoi. (hina) ms