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Statement In Response to Demarche by Russia’s MFA on U.S. Educational and Cultural Programs [1]

['U.S. Mission Russia']

Date: 2024-03-07 16:44:50+00:00

U.S. Embassy Moscow Statement

In Response to the March 7, 2024 Demarche

by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

on U.S. Educational and Cultural Programs

March 7, 2024

Today’s move to designate U.S. educational and exchange organizations as “undesirable” marks a new low in the Russian government’s crackdown on longstanding and entirely routine people-to-people programs.

The idea that it would be “undesirable” to connect Russians and Americans on a human level and facilitate travel for professional and educational development is a tragic illustration of the Kremlin’s desire to isolate its own people, depriving them of the chance to network, expand their horizons, and contribute to building a more prosperous and peaceful world. Free and open societies have nothing to fear from engagement with other nations and people.

For more than 70 years, the Department of State has offered opportunities for Russians citizens – as we do for citizens around the world – to visit, study, and learn about our country. These programs also provide an opportunity for Americans to learn about Russian culture. The United States remains steadfast in our desire to maintain bridges between the people of our two countries, which have endured even through the darkest times of the Cold War. Communication and building understanding and respect between our people contribute to managing shared challenges and makes our world safer. This is why the United States remains open for Russian citizens to visit and study.

We believe a peaceful, safe, and prosperous Russia is in the U.S. interest and in the interest of the world, and we will continue to keep a hand outstretched to all those who share that vision.

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[1] Url: https://ru.usembassy.gov/statement-in-response-to-demarche-by-russias-mfa-on-u-s-educational-and-cultural-programs/

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