A Ukrainian consulate general opened in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryschenko and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Hryschenko said at the ceremony that the opening of the consulate general was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia.
He noted that Nizhny Novgorod "is a historical center of the Volga region, a city known not only throughout Russia, but also around the world."
"We appreciate not only its scientific and industrial, but also cultural potential," Hryschenko said.
Lavrov, in turn, said that "the land of Nizhny Novgorod, located on the banks of the Volga and Oka rivers, has long played an important role in the development of economy and culture."
"This is a significant event that will help maintain ties between Russia and Ukraine," Lavrov said, referring to the opening of the consulate general.
The consular district of Ukraine’s consulate general includes 14 subjects in Russia, part of the Volga Federal District.
The primary task of the consulate general will be to protect the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens living in the Volga Federal District – about 1,500 Ukrainians, including students, cultural figures, scientists, and specialists from various branches of production.
An important area in the work of the consulate general will also be the expansion and deepening of economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, as well as the promotion of interregional cooperation between interested subjects in Ukraine and the Volga Federal District.
In addition, the task of the new institution will be to support the Ukrainian community, first and foremost, its desire to preserve its native language and national culture.
According to provisional data, about 500,000 Ukrainians live in the Volga Federal District.
