Her Majesty Queen Sirikit paid a State Visit to Russia from 2nd to 11th July, 2007 at the invitation of Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. The state visit coincided with 110th anniversary of Thai-Russian diplomatic relations since His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited Russia in 1897.
Upon arrival to Moscow at Vnukovo Airport the Government of Russia held an official ceremony to welcome Her Majesty the Queen and then escorted Her to Grand Kremlin Palace, Her Majesty’s residence in Moscow, where the official meeting ceremony took place in the Georgievsky Hall. Vladimir Putin then had a conversation with Queen Sirikit in the Winter Garden. After their discussion Vladimir Putin and Queen Sirikit attended an official dinner given by the Russian head of state in honour of the Queen of Thailand in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
After the State Visit in Moscow, on 5th July 2007 the plane of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit landed in Pulkovo Airport where Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St. Petersburg and other official representatives welcomed Her Majesty the Queen in St. Petersburg.
In St. Petersburg Her Majesty the Queen visited St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Ananov Jewelry Company, and the Palace of Empress Catherine the Great in Pushkin. During the trip, Her Majesty the Queen also visited Peterhof Palace, which once served as the residence for His Majesty King Chulalongkorn in 1897. In commemoration of that visit Governments of both sides have set up a project to restore the Left Wing of Peterhof Palace and establish permanent exhibition devoted to the visit of HM King Chulalongkorn of Thailand (Rama V).
 To commemorate the celebration of the 110th anniversary of Thai-Russian diplomatic relations, St. Petersburg authorities will also send Mariinsky Theatre, one of the most famous ballet troupes, to show in Thailand this year. Next year St. Petersburg and Thai authorities will co-host St. Petersburg’s day in Bangkok. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit showed Her appreciation that two countries have increased cultural exchange programmes.
St. Petersburg State University, reputable worldwide, the oldest university in Russia founded by Peter the Great in 1724 awarded to Her Majesty the Queen Honorary Doctorate Degree in the field of Eastern Languages and Cultures.
At 17.30 on 11th July 2007, Queen Sirikit left Pulkovo Airport for Republic of Austria and Federal Republic of Germany. The State Visit to Russia is of paramount importance to enhance the long-established friendly relations between Thailand and Russia and promote friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the two countries. |
