Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, the ambassador of Russia to Venezuela, presented a commemorative medal marking the 200th anniversary of the renowned Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The medal, issued by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, was awarded to Tarek William Saab, who serves as Venezuela’s Prosecutor General and is also recognized as a writer and poet. The event highlighted Saab’s notable contributions to cultural exchange and the preservation of literary heritage, as reported by TASS.
According to the Russian diplomatic mission, Saab received the prize for his distinctive role in celebrating Dostoyevsky’s milestone and for his ongoing efforts to promote Russian literature within Venezuela. The award underscored the close cultural ties that exist between the two nations and reflected a shared appreciation for classic Russian literature and its enduring influence on world letters.
The ceremony drew attendance from several high-ranking officials. Franklin Ramírez, the Deputy Secretary of State, represented the government in this symbolic moment. Elvis Amoroso, the President of the Ethics Council, and Alfred Ruiz, the Human Rights Commissioner, were also present, signaling broader institutional support for cultural collaboration beyond diplomatic channels. Their presence illustrated a collective interest in fostering mutual respect for culture, language, and the arts in bilateral relations.
In remarks following the award, Saab spoke about the responsibilities that accompany such recognition. He described the honor as a genuine duty for a poet to receive acknowledgment from a nation with a storied tradition in letters and public culture. Saab emphasized that the award should be understood as a public reminder of the shared value of literature in shaping national identity and cross border understanding, rather than a mere ceremonial gesture. The moment was framed as part of a larger dialogue on culture and education that can enrich both countries and their people.
Context for the award also sits within Venezuela’s broader efforts to strengthen cultural and educational links with major international partners. Earlier in the year, discussions around the establishment of several friendship groups were reported as part of parliamentary initiatives. The National Assembly announced the creation of 18 groups dedicated to nations including China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Deputy Timoteo Zambrano highlighted that these groups aim to explore economic, trade, cultural, and diplomatic dimensions, reinforcing how culture acts as a bridge for policy and cooperation across continents.
This cultural exchange comes amid ongoing conversations about language and cultural policy within both nations. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Placencia commented on the importance of supporting Russian language and literature, noting that international attitudes toward language can reflect broader global trends. The exchange of literary prizes and cross national cultural events are presented as practical expressions of goodwill, helping to anchor diplomatic relations in tangible cultural experiences that citizens from both countries can relate to and enjoy. The reflections around language and heritage emphasize how art and letters can serve as a steadying force in international affairs, offering a shared space where people can connect beyond politics and economics. [attribution: TASS]