Luvs, in the world of diplomacy, parties, receptions and entertaining generally plays a most vital role in projecting a positive image of the host and country.
They often serve as the springboard from which many a bilateral and/or multilateral deal is negotiated and not just between nations, but also between businesses and individuals.
In this respect, parties are not just all about social-profiling for the diplomatic, political and/or social elite. But more importantly, they are crucial to the diplomatic swirl and appreciated as such, by true diplomats.
Luvs, this appreciation has not been lost by successive Russian envoys here over the years, as they have completely understood the importance of this tool in the diplomatic arsenal, and have used it when appropriate, especially on the occasion of Russia's National Day.
reception with a difference
Well my dears, last Thursday, it was the National Day of Russia and to mark the occasion, His Excellency Ambassador Victor Zotin and his charming wife, Olga Zotin, threw a reception at their upper St Andrew residence that was truly style perfect! My dears, we are talking from Russia with haute style here, as this was a reception with a difference.
Ambassador Zotin is no neophyte to the fine art of diplomacy. With nearly 40 years of service with the Russian foreign service, the affable diplomat has proved during his stint here, to be a man of unimpeachable character, style and substance, and above all else, a friend of Jamaica with an understanding of the complexities and nuances that form the platforms from which our politics and world views are formed. It is an understanding that has earned him the respect of those in government as well of those with whom he interacts.
Admired for his shy, almost retiring presence, it is a well-known truth within and outside of the diplomatic circles that here is a professional diplomat, fully cognisant of his role, and in understanding that role, he eschews the glare of publicity for quiet effectiveness. This was pretty much the very same approach used in his hosting the reception.
Upon arrival, guests saw lit bamboo torches, lining the pathway from the entrance to the compound to the inner sanctum of the property, where a welcoming committee warmly directed them to the reception area.
Here, Ambassador Zotin and wife completed the welcoming formalities, and guests joined the buzzing mix of national leaders, members of the diplomatic and consular corps as well as leading citizenry to the lawns accented by low-hung mango trees.
interlude for formalities
To be sure, there was an interlude for formalities and for this segment, guests were invited into the embassy's reception hall where Ambassador Zotin welcomed all. In a brief address that followed the playing of the national anthems of Jamaica and Russia (in that order), he underlined the historic ties and corporation between the nations as well as the progress of his country in trying to fulfil its own mandate in the international sphere.
He crowned his address with a champagne toast that saluted - being of those present and the hopes for a future of continued good relations.
Energy Minister Clive Mullings responded on behalf of the people and Government of Jamaica, and he too crowned his remarks with a toast and then it was back to the business of enjoying the reception on hand.
The dignitaries and notables out sharing the very fab occasion included Governor General Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall; Senate president Oswald Harding and wife, Marigold; National Security Minister Trevor MacMillan and wife, Dr Olivia McDonald; HE Ambassador Douglas Saunders and wife, Angela Robertson; HE Ambassador Maxine Roberts; Chinese Ambassador HE Chen Jinghua and Madam Xiao Linhua; French Ambassador HE Francis Hurtut; Spanish Ambassador HE Jesús Silva and his charming wife, Sara Silva.
Young guests Margareta Vlasova (left) and Yulia Chazshina have that supermodel look already, don't they?
Jo Ann Kingsley (centre) beams with Elena Dorofeeva (right) and Alyona Morozova.
