A traditional winter ambassadorial hunt was held in Zavidovo, GlavUpDK Recreational complex

On January 11-12, 2008 a traditional winter ambassadorial hunt was held in Zavidovo Recreational complex. Heads of diplomatic missions from 17 countries and their spouses participated in it. This year, as well as last year, a rich and exciting program awaited not only hunters but also those who arrived to Zavidovo to have a rest, admire the beauty of winter nature and celebrate the old New Year.

On the behalf of Ivan I. Sergeyev, Director General of GlavUpDK was held in honor of the guests. Mr. Sergeyev congratulated the diplomats on the holidays and noted with satisfaction that an ambassadorial hunt had already become a traditional bright event in the schedule of many heads of diplomatic missions. Mr. Ramy Al-Shayer, owner of the hunting grounds where the hunt is annually held extended his wishes of success to all the participants, both experienced hunters and novices.

Khalnazar Agakhanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and ‘Doyen’ of this year’s hunt thanked GlavUpDK on the behalf of the diplomatic corps for maintaining this good Russian tradition that enables diplomats to take a closer look at the country of residence.

After the reception the guests moved to the glade in front of the Hunter’s house where funny contests, Russian folk songs performed by young Russian artists, the State institute of dramatic art (GITIS) postgraduates, round dances, Christmas carols and hot mulled wine awaited them.

An entertainment program near the bonfire lasted till late in the evening. Next day in the morning the hunters gathered for hunting rules briefing and draw and then set off for the hunting grounds. While the hunters were getting their trophies the non-hunting diplomats had an opportunity to listen to Russian songs in the Hunter’s house or shoot with air guns. Back from the wood the hunters boasted their trophies: 4 wild boars and a deer. The best shots were Anver Khalilovich, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina and V.N. Rasskazov, Director of Zavidovo Recreational complex.

After traditional photographing the guests moved to the tent set up on the glade to try the hunting fare and punch made from the best moldavian wine under the guidance of Vasile Sturza, Ambassador of Moldavia. The best hunters got prizes. The program completed with a performance by a folk group ‘Limonky’ that presented a modern version of Russian songs and pop melodies.