A statue honoring Alexander Pushkin was inaugurated in Asmara on the 28th of November 2009.

During the ceremony, Mr. Tewolde Kelati, Administrator of Central Region, stated the statue to commemorate Pushkin is the first of its kind in Africa. This statue will be part of the Pushkin Cultural Center that is going to be established in the near future. This center will play a significant role in the development of education, cultural activities and creativity.

The administrator further stated that, the Russian Federation and Eritrea are geographically far apart, but they are close to each other in the sprit and this is a great victory.

Mr. Tewolde expressed his thanks to those in the Russian Federation and those in Eritrea who participated in the activities leading to to0days ceremony.

Present at the ceremony were also members of the Russian Federation headed by Ms. Elena Drapeko, Eritrean officials and other invited guests.

Ms. Elena on her part said that Alexander Pushkin, who was conscious and proud of this African ancestry, was recognized as a great literary figure not only in Russia but worldwide. She expressed the hope that the Pushkin monument will inspire people in all countries to live harmoniously with one another, as it was Pushkin’s deepest wish.

Before the statue of Pushkin was unveiled, a series of artistic performances were given by Eritrean artists including songs and poetry recitals of several of Pushkin’s poems translated in Tigrinya.