05 | December | 2011 | The Royal Correspondent

On December 5, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain attended the opening of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Madrid. Also, in attendance was First Lady of the Russian Federation, Her Excellency Svetlana Medvedeva, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Spain, Alexander Kuznetsov, Spain’s ambassador to the Russian Federation, Luis Felipe Fernández de la Peña, Ambassador on Special Mission of the Year Dual Spain-Russia, Mikhail Schvidkoy, and the coordinator of the Year Dual Spain-Russia, Juan Jose Herrera de la Muela.

During the inauguration there were several performances of Spanish-Russian folk music. Afterward, H.M. Queen Sofia and Mrs. Svetlana Medvedeva toured a photography exhibition by Andrey Terekhin and the Russian Center of Science and Culture’s library.

Today’s opening was the closing of the Year Dual Spain-Russia. The Year Dual Spain-Russia has given new impetus to bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian field, serves to develop relations in the field of science, culture and education between Spain and Russia.

Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

T.R.H.s Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg attended the closing ceremony of the 2011 European Year of Volunteering organized by the Ministry of Family and Integration, together with the European Commission Representation in Luxembourg on December 5, 2011.

Following the presentation of projects selected by the associations, the Grand Duke and Duchess awarded the Volunteer Award of Merit 2011 to a lucky recipient. This award recognizes organizations that have strategies and innovative ways to guide and support volunteering and volunteers.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the Grand Ducal couple will attend the 2011 Nobel Prize ceremony on December 10, 2011 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Source: Cour Grand-Ducale de Luxembourg