Moscow honors foreigners for helping Russia’s development
Several outstanding foreigners who have chosen Russia as their new home have been honored at the Bridge Awards gala night in Moscow for their contribution to the country’s economy and culture.
The ceremony, which is backed by the Russian Foreign Ministry and Moscow’s authorities, was held for the first time on Wednesday. The awards were handed out in 13 categories, including business, architecture, media, family values and charity.
The head of the Russian capital’s department of international relations, Sergey Cheremin, praised the achievements of the nominees, saying that “they create a unique, friendly atmosphere in the country, build beautiful cities… and enrich our culture.”
The prize in culture and art category went to Japanese dancer Kohei Fukuda, who has been a member of the Novosibirsk opera and ballet theater troupe since 2016. He received his trophy from Hollywood action star Steven Seagal, who became a Russian citizen a decade ago and serves as Moscow’s special representative for Russian-American humanitarian ties.
Legendary American-born UFC fighter Jeff Monson won in the sports and healthy lifestyle category. Monson is currently a member of the local legislature in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.
US journalist John Warren was awarded the media nomination for hosting a popular food and travel show on Russian television, celebrating the country and the cuisines of its peoples.
More than a hundred contenders from 40 nations were vying for the awards, according to the organisers.
The co-founder of the Bridge Awards, Philip Hutchinson, said that its winners and nominees “prove that Russia truly is a land of opportunity… There is hope here, there is space to grow and there is a future for those who are ready to work, adapt and contribute.”
“I do sincerely hope that in the coming years thousands more people will choose Russia, move here and achieve their own successes,” Hutchinson said.
During a press-conference, Segal said that the LGBTQ propaganda aimed at children and the “tremendous” division between the left and the right are reasons for an increasing number of Americans deciding to leave the US and move to Russia, where traditional values are upheld.
The US used to be a country where Christian values and family were cherished, but now it’s all “diminishing rapidly,” the actor said.
