The Festival of Russian culture in which Switzerland has been opened in 2011. Occasion for the Festival of Russian culture in the Switzerland 2011 is the 65th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the different countries. The diplomatic relations between the former Soviet Union and of Switzerland were canceled in 1923. Switzerland Russia GSR society launched a corresponding petition to resume of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1944. Despite many obstacles by Swiss authorities came in just 20 days around 120 000 signatures together, which moved on March 18, 1946 to the Federal Council to take back his relations with the Soviet Union. Cabinets has much experience in this field. Other States such as that decided the Federal Republic of Germany only in 1955 and later–long after the end of the second world war in Exchange for the return of the last prisoners of war from the Soviet Union–a resumption of diplomatic relations. Culture characterizes the relationship between the Switzerland and Russia the culture is an integral part of the bilateral relations since between the Switzerland and Russia. With the signing of a memorandum of understanding in March 2009, a formal framework for the cultural exchange between the two countries and raised various positive initiatives.
The Switzerland has stated, for example, the cultural exchange with Russia a priority of the next few years. So, Russia is one of the foundation Pro Helvetia from 2012 to 2015, the priority countries. Pro Helvetia plans in particular the opening of a liaison office in Moscow, which is due to open the doors to the rapidly growing Russian cultural scene Swiss artists. Conversely, the Festival of Russian culture in the Switzerland was launched in 2011. Prior to its opening, the Russian Culture Minister Alexander Awdejew was received by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in Bern. This first talks for a bilateral agreement on the import and return of cultural goods should be carried in silence.