In the evening of the 14th of May, 2014, the new Penza Philharmonic Hall housed the closing of the 3d International Forum “Dialogue of Cultures”.

The gala concert presented all the best that was gathered from the variety of national cultures.

Performance groups from Penza universities, guest universities, as well as the leading ensembles of Penza starred on stage for two hours.

Traditionally the forum “Dialogue of Cultures” is attended by the ethnic group of the Penza Region. V. Proshkin, the chairman of Mordovia national cultural autonomy of the Penza Region, congratulated the guests and participants on behalf of the ethnic groups. “The forum helps to better learn the life and culture of the peoples living on the Penza Region territory”, he said in conclusion. In his welcoming speech at the closing of the 3d International Forum “Dialogue of Cultures” A.Gulyakov, rector of Penza State University, emphasized that one day gave the forum participants a unique opportunity to touch the world culture. “Every time we participate in such events, we realize how little we know about ourselves. Such events as “Dialogue of Cultures” are held so that we could deeper and better understand each other… We can do a lot for dominance of peace, friendship and cooperation in relationship between the peoples”, the rector said.

The closing of the forum was attended by the honoured guests of “Dialogue of Cultures”: Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Gabriel Anicet Kotchofa (Benin), Yusuf Abasalleh (Chad), Else Nizigama Ntamagiro (Burundi), and Seko Intchasso (Guinea-Bissau), Yao Nicaise Adou, the president of the Association of International Students in Russia, and Mahamat Ya-Ya Kishine, head of the Penza branch of the Association of International Students.

Gabriel Anicet Kotchofa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from Benin, made a welcoming speech on behalf of all the guests. Mr Gabriel emphasized that each visit to Penza is a special occasion for him. “I am happy being here today. Me and all the ambassadors have come to conclusion that you are engaged in real international policy here in the Penza Region. I am very pleased that it is Penza State University that organizes this event”, he said.

As a present to all the viewers Gabriel Kotchofa recited a poem “Confession” by A.Pushkin.