Strengthening Intercultural and Economic Dialogue

Strengthening Intercultural and Economic Dialogue: Tudor Afanasov's Participation in the Congress of the International Russophile Movement and the Multipolarity Forum, February 26-27, 2024, Moscow, Russia

At the end of February, Moscow hosted the Second Congress of the International Russophile Movement (IRM) - "For Truth, Traditional Values, and a Multipolar World." The event was held in the innovative "Lomonosov" cluster at the Moscow State University. As stated by the organizers, this significant international event brought together prominent intellectuals from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and North America on a single platform – about 500 participants from over 130 countries. On February 26 and 27, 2024, the event gathered significant figures from around the world, marking a significant step in international dialogue and cooperation. Tudor Afanasov, President of the Romanian-Russian Chamber of Economic and Cultural Cooperation, attended the Second Congress of the International Russophile Movement (IRM) and the Multipolarity Forum, highlighting opposition to Russophobia and promoting traditional and cultural Russian values in the global context. Organized by the IRM Organizing Committee, the event attracted representatives from all continents, showcasing a strong opposition to Russophobia campaigns and support for preserving cultural identity in the face of globalization.
Invited by Nikolai Malinov, President of the IRM, Afanasov joined a select group of participants, including notable figures such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Bulgarian "Russophiles for the Motherland's Renaissance" party president Nikolai Malinov, former American actor and athlete Jeff Monson, Russian Foreign Ministry official representative Maria Zakharova, former Apostolic Nuncio to the USA Bishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Sheikh Imran Hosein, former CIA analyst, military expert, columnist, and fervent Trump supporter Larry S. Johnson, etc., emphasizing the seriousness and scope of the discussions.
The forum was opened by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, who outlined the meeting's agenda: "Unity based on goodwill... Exactly goodwill is the foundation of the unity that our country proposes."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov read a greeting message from President Vladimir Putin during the plenary session. "The Russophile movement significantly contributes to countering the collective West's attempts to isolate Russia internationally, helps spread objective and truthful information about our country abroad, exposes anti-Russian fabrications and propagandistic myths. Your noble activity contributes to preserving and strengthening the good traditions of friendship and mutual respect that bind Russians with other peoples, unifying the Russian world, promoting the achievements of our national culture, and expanding our humanitarian presence on the world stage," stated the Russian leader's telegram.
According to Vladimir Putin, the composition of the participants clearly demonstrates that the international Russophile movement is securely developing and strengthening, gaining new supporters.
At the congress opening ceremony, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that, unlike the West, Russia offers partners – representatives of the global majority – relations on an equal basis. "I want to emphasize the close relationships we are developing with regional integration unions from all parts of the global majority: both with Asian, African, and Latin American representatives," said Sergey Lavrov. "We have established close relations with all and will continue to develop them on an equal, mutually beneficial basis, as a constructive alternative to the policy that the West tries to promote through the international development institutions it controls."
The message from President Vladimir Putin also underscored the importance of the event in the efforts to promote constructive dialogue at a global level.

The forum's complex agenda included plenary sessions and thematic sections, covering a wide range of topics from the repatriation of compatriots to family values and combating informational warfare. This platform provided a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas and dialogue, emphasizing Russia's essential role in building a multipolar world and peaceful coexistence among different cultures and civilizations.
The IRM aims to unite people worldwide around respect and love for Russia, promoting constructive dialogue and international cooperation. Tudor Afanasov's participation in the event not only highlights the importance of strengthening Romanian-Russian ties but also the significance of intercultural and economic dialogue in today's challenging global context.
In his speech, Tudor Afanasov emphasized the need to support and promote traditional values and fight against ideologies threatening humanity's essence. Afanasov advocated for an approach that respects each nation's cultural and historical diversity, highlighting the importance of preserving national identity in the face of globalization and cultural uniformity.
The forum included thematic sections such as the repatriation of compatriots, family values versus LGBT culture, combating informational and hybrid warfare, discussions on the Islamic world, Global South, China and India, the Western world, and Latin America. These sections provided a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies on the most pressing issues facing contemporary societies.
Event speakers, coming from a wide range of fields – from diplomats and historians to artists and social activists – shared encouraging views on the role of Russian culture in the world and how it can serve as a bridge between different peoples and nations. They emphasized the importance of cultural and educational collaboration and the need to overcome stereotypes for a deeper and more authentic understanding.
One of the key messages conveyed was the idea that Russophilia is not limited to passive admiration for Russian culture but involves an active commitment to intercultural dialogue and building solid relationships between countries and communities. Through music, literature, art, and open dialogue, Russophilia can contribute to enriching the global cultural mosaic and promoting peace and international understanding.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the current challenges facing the international community and the role Russian culture can play in addressing them. From cooperation in education to joint initiatives for sustainable development, speakers highlighted numerous areas where a shared passion for Russia could make a valuable contribution.
The second congress of the international Russophile movement succeeded not only in celebrating Russian culture but also in highlighting the essential role of intercultural dialogue in today's world. By promoting mutual respect and collaboration, events like these remind us that despite our differences, we have much to offer each other and much to learn together.
**Thawing and Resuming Romanian-Russian Relations: The Positive Impact of the IRM Platform**
Tudor Afanasov's participation in the Congress of the International Russophile Movement (IRM) and the Multipolarity Forum, held in Moscow on February 26-27, 2024, not only marked a significant moment of international dialogue and cooperation but also opened the path to extended opportunities for thawing and resuming Romanian-Russian relations. This platform offers numerous advantages that can serve to improve bilateral relations, promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation on multiple levels. Here are the main benefits of engaging in this platform:
1. **Constructive Political Dialogue**: By bringing together leaders and political representatives, the platform facilitates open and constructive dialogue, essential for resolving misunderstandings and advancing common interests.
2. **Promoting Peace and Regional Stability**: The IRM emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue, thus contributing to promoting peace and stability in the region.
3. **Enhanced Economic Cooperation**: Events organized within the IRM framework can facilitate meetings between business people and stimulate discussions on joint economic projects, opening the way to new investment opportunities and bilateral collaborations.
4. **Strengthening Energy Security**: Through dialogue and cooperation, Romania and Russia can explore common solutions to current energy challenges, contributing to regional and global energy security.
5. **Diversification and Improvement of Trade Relations**: The platform offers the opportunity to discuss the elimination of trade barriers and ways to diversify and improve bilateral trade relations, stimulating economic growth.
Through these advantages, the IRM platform can open a new chapter in Romanian-Russian relations, providing a robust framework for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Active participation in this movement and leveraging its complex potential can bring significant benefits to both countries, strengthening ties on multiple levels and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Concluding the article, it should be noted that according to the strategy proposed by the Chamber's President, Tudor Afanasov, and in line with the Association's principles, regardless of the current conditions, we strive to build bridges, not walls. In the contemporary international context, characterized by a high degree of tension, dialogue and diplomacy are the best solutions for achieving peace and prosperity. The Romanian-Russian partnership can ensure regional and global stability, with dialogue and diplomacy being the only mechanisms for conflict resolution. Romania, being one of the most peaceful countries in the region, if not in the world, should use this aspect of its diplomacy to propose solutions for regional and global peace.
Due to its geopolitical position and history, Romania plays a significant role as a regional and global stabilizer. In recent years, the country has actively promoted the strengthening of international law, support for democratic values, and the protection of human rights, thus contributing to enhancing peace and security in Europe and beyond. With its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and important transport corridors, Romania possesses unique opportunities to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the East and the West.
Moreover, Romania demonstrates how a country can act as a bridge between different cultures and political systems, promoting the development of mutual understanding and cooperation. This is particularly important today when the world faces numerous challenges, from international terrorism to climate change and pandemics. Romania can and should play a key role in advancing peaceful initiatives and in carrying out diplomatic efforts to ensure sustainable development and stability at both regional and global levels.
By maintaining an active dialogue and developing diplomatic relations, Romania contributes not only to its own prosperity but also to creating conditions for peace and stability worldwide. Leveraging its potential as a factor of regional and global stability, Romania underscores the importance of multilateralism and collective efforts in solving global issues, affirming that peace and prosperity are achievable through cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect.