GOVPH

Translation of PHL Literary Classic Published in Russia

Dr. Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations or MGIMO(right)  and Dr. Victor Sumsky, Head of the ASEAN Center of MGIMO  (left) present a copy of the Russian translation of the Philippine literary classic “Florante at Laura” to Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta. Photo by L. Camoying

05 September 2017 MOSCOW - Russian-speakers will now be able to have an even better appreciation Philippine literature with the publication of the Russian language version of the classic work by Filipino author Francisco Balagtas titled “Florante at Laura” by the ASEAN Center of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations or MGIMO, according to Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta. The translation was published as part of the commemoration of 40 years of formal relations between the Philippines and Russia.

“We are very grateful for all the effort and scholarship that went into the publication of this book.  This excellent work will also serve to introduce Philippine literature to a new generation of Russian speakers,” the Ambassador added.

A copy of the translated work was presented to Ambassador Sorreta by Dr. Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO and Dr. Victor Sumsky, Head of the ASEAN Center of MGIMO on August 31 at Dr. Torkunov’s office. 

The translation was the work ofAmbassador Valery Sorokin, a Russian diplomat and scholar of Philippine language, history and culture. Ambassador Sorokin was a diplomat in the Philippines representing the Soviet Union (1978-1982; 1984-1988) and the Russian Federation (1992-1995).  He is currently Russia’s Senior Official to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. 

“This volume is a worthy addition to other classics of Philippine literature that have been translated into Russian, among them are the works of Jose Rizal, N.V.M. Gonzalez, Nick Joaquin, Carlos Bulosan, Amado Vera Hernandez, and F. Sionil Jose,” Ambassador Sorreta said. 

The ASEAN Center in MGIMO was established to promote the ASEAN-Russia dialogue partnership, to facilitate development of economic linkages, cultural, scientific and educational exchanges as well as people-to-people contacts between Russia and the ASEAN member countries, and to carry out and support research on problems of ASEAN and its individual members.

MGIMO University MGIMO is one of the leading Russian universities and offers programs in 18 key fields of study, including: international relations, international economic relations, regional studies, international law, political science, public and business administration, journalism, public relations, commerce and transnational business. END

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.

Front cover and cover page of the Russian translation of the Philippine literary classic “Florante at Laura