First Lady opened the 5th International Forum of Experts in Russian Studies in Bratislava

Spouse of the Slovak President Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová opened on 13 October 2011 the 5th International Forum of Experts in Russian Studies in Bratislava, which aims to exchange experience in teaching Russian language. The 5th International Forum of Experts in Russian Studies from Central, Eastern Europe and Russia – Bratislava Meetings 2011 – is held under the auspices of the First Lady of Slovakia. In her speech, Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová commended the theme of the meeting, which is "People, Years, Life of the Russian Studies Today." 

According to the spouse of the President, "language learning is an important and vital component in education. Broad knowledge of languages provides people not only irreplaceable professional competencies, but also enhances the intellectual and cultural dimension of personality." Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičová as the patron of the Slavic Gymnasium in Bratislava is often involved in the various school events where students speak Russian. As the spouse of the President said, "many of them boast that by knowledge of the Russian language they want to benefit in their future career." At the end of her speech the First Lady of Slovakia wished all participants successful forum discussions.

Bratislava Meetings are held in Slovakia every two years. Forum organizer is the Centre of Russian Science and Culture in Bratislava and The Slovak Association of Experts in Russian Studies. This year’s meeting was also attended by the Russian Ambassador to Slovakia and the Mayor of Bratislava.