Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov met with foreign media representatives from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
WE CAME BACK HOME
One of the most unexpected questions came from journalists from China. Luo Haoxin and Zhao Xing asked how pragmatic Crimeans had been in 2014: if Ukraine had invested not 20 but 200 billion (in rubles) in Crimea, would the referendum have happened and would the peninsula have chosen the path to Russia? Sergey Aksyonov answered firmly and without hesitation:
«Crimeans didn't set conditions, didn't ask what would happen, what salaries and pensions would be. Everyone was already tired of that life. We went to Russia not for money, not for the budget — we were coming back home».
He recalled that Crimea had always been Russian, and became Ukrainian by accident — «at Khrushchev's whim, without asking anyone».
«It was a restoration of historical justice, nothing more», - the head of the republic stressed.
TRIALS HAVE BROUGHT US TOGETHER
A journalist from Ecuador was interested in how Crimea manages to maintain friendship among 170 nationalities and different religions. Aksyonov explained that before 2014, the Ukrainian authorities had tried to drive a wedge between the peoples of Crimea to prevent its rapprochement with Russia.
«We endured that until 2014 and didn't fall into that abyss. And the pressure after 2014 brought us even closer together», - he said.
The head of the republic emphasized that at the everyday level there are no contradictions, and with those who try to sow discord, «the conversation is short — the full severity of Russian laws».
THE RIGHT DECISIONS ARE UP TO THE PEOPLE
Japanese journalist Kazuhiro Hayashida asked about the possibility of building warm relations between Japan and Russia despite the current political situation. Aksyonov replied that if the people of Japan wish it, they will force their government to make the right decisions.
«Today Japan is actively helping Ukraine. I don't know why Japan needs this. Before 2022, they had nothing in common at all», - he noted.
At the same time, the head of Crimea expressed hope that Japanese tourists and businesses would return to the peninsula:
«We are not enemies, Crimea is 100% safe».
A question from Malaysia concerned the possibility of developing contacts despite the detention of a Russian tanker by the Malaysian authorities.
«We are all for it, we would be glad», - Aksyonov said. «But I see the recent unfriendly steps from the Malaysian leadership. They need to listen not to Western partners but to act justly. It's always easier to be friends than to fight».
COME TO THE EXCAVATIONS
Representative of Nicaragua, Miranda Tapia Ivonne del Carmen, asked about the development of education and a separate budget for archaeological research. Aksyonov gratefully noted that Nicaragua was the first to open an honorary consulate in Crimea.
«We have a special relationship with you», - he said.
The head of Crimea said that schools are 90% equipped with modern technology, and the main task today is not just to impart knowledge but to raise patriots.
«So that children leave school as citizens who love their Motherland», - he stressed.
Separately, Aksyonov addressed the topic of archaeology. He spoke about a recent scandal in which Poland detained an archaeologist for excavations in Crimea — «they've gone crazy, persecuting people for far-fetched reasons». And then he immediately invited the journalist:
«As soon as everything calms down, we will send you the schedule of archaeological expeditions. You will have the opportunity to take part».
After the meeting, Crimean Magazine spoke with Miranda Tapia Ivonne del Carmen. She said she was in Crimea for the first time and that she is a historian-archaeologist by education.
«I'm currently studying in Moscow, and I would very much like not just to see Crimea, but to visit real excavations, to see the antiquities — ancient, medieval», - she shared with us.
Summing up the meeting, Sergey Aksyonov stressed that sanctions have not broken the Crimeans, but have only made them stronger. He expressed confidence that after the end of the special military operation, international contacts would resume, and Crimea would offer partners tourism, agriculture, industry and much more.
