St. Patrick's Day Greetings

1996

   It is a particular pleasure for me, as a newcomer to Russia, to
welcome the fifth annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Moscow.
   The parade is a tribute to the energy and dedication of the Irish community and to their Russian partners. It is also a tribute to
the good relations which exist between the Irish community
and the Moscow City Government.
   Our particular thanks are due to Mayor Yuri Luzhkov whose
unfailing support has done so much to ensuring the success of
the event.
   The parade is symbolic of the spirit which has guided the
Irish community in its task of building business links with the
Russian Federation. Since the late 1980s our presence in Russia has been steadily growing. I am proud of the fact that my fellow countrymen and women have seen the opening of the Russian market, not only as an occasion to do business but also as an opportunity to contribute to their host country.
   As well as a willingness to work closely together the people of Ireland and Russia have in common a sense of friendliness
and a willingness to celebrate whenever the occasion offers.
These shared qualities come together particularly well in the
annual Saint Patrick's Day parade. I like to think of the parade as a small Irish gift to the people of Moscow and a way of saying "thank you" for the hospitality which has been extended to us.
   Every year since 1991 the parade has been improving in size and quality. I am confident that over the coming years it will continue to flourish and be enjoyed by all, and especially by the citizens of Moscow.

Ronan Murphy
Ambassador of Ireland

    On behalf of Moscow City Government, I would like to welcome the citizens of Moscow, guests from throughout Russia, international visitors, and representatives of the Russian and international business community to this fifth annual St.Patrick's Day Parade in Moscow.
    The Moscow City Council is proud to have been associated with this annual celebration since its inception in 1992 and pleased to have watched it grow from a modest event to one of the established highlights of Moscow's public calendar.
    Here in Moscow, as well as in countries throughout the world, it is a day of celebration, where people from many different cultural traditions can come together to celebrate with the Irish.
    I would also like to pay tribute to Aer Rianta International for its role in the founding of this important Moscow event, and developing it into a colourful and dynamic show. On behalf of Moscow City Government, I wish you peace and happiness.

Yuri Luzhkov
Mayor of Moscow and
Prime Minister of Moscow City Government

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