GOVPH

PHL Embassy Honors Russian Diplomat for Translation of “Florante at Laura”

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta presents a plaque of recognition to Amb. Valery Sorokin for his major contribution in promoting Philippine literature in Russia through his translation of Francisco Balagtas’ “Florante at Laura”, at a simple ceremony at the Embassy of the Philippines in Moscow on 25 September 2017. (Photo by C. Narvaez)

29 September 2017 MOSCOW – Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta hosted a luncheon on September 25 in honor of Ambassador Valery Sorokin for his invaluable contribution in the promotion of Philippine literature in Russia through his translation of Francisco Balagtas’ classic “Florante at Laura” into Russian. Said translation was recently published by the ASEAN Centre in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO University).

This was a commemorative project on the occasion of 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia which was marked last year.

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

“Florante at Laura is a timeless literary classic that deserves to be read by a larger audience. We are therefore thankful to Ambassador Sorokin for his translation work on “Florante at Laura” which was no small feat. It was truly a labor of love for the Philippines”, Ambassador Sorreta stated.

Also invited to the luncheon were Ambassador Sorokin’s collaborators in the publication project namely, Prof. Elena Frolova, Senior Professor of Philippine Philology at the Moscow State University, Dr. Victor Sumsky, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO University, Mr. Vladimir Anisimov, President of the Bureau of Creative Expeditions, and Ms. Olga Yausheva, artist. Ambassador Sorokin was joined by his wife Mme. Elena Sorokina.

Mr. Anisimov presented a painting to Ambassador Sorreta during the lunch. Mr. Anisimov was a member of the group of Russian artists who went to the Philippines on an artistic expedition mission in 2012. END

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

From left: Third Secretary Jeffrey Angelo Valdez, Dr. Victor Sumsky, Third Secretary Luningning G. Camoying, Prof. Elena Frolova, Mme. Maria Consuelo S. Sorreta, Amb. Carlos D. Sorreta, Amb. Valery Sorokin, Mme. Elena Sorokina, Ms. Elena Yausheva, Mr. Victor Anisimov, and Third Secretary Catherine F. Alpay.  (Photo by C. Narvaez)