Pictorial exhibition records Malta, Russia war efforts

The efforts by the Maltese and Russian people to defeat fascism and nazism in World War II are highlighted in a photographic exhibition being mounted on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

The exhibition is an initiative by the Russian Embassy and the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in collaboration with Heritage Malta. Its theme is The Contribution Of Malta And Russia In The Overthrow Of Fascism And Nazism In Europe and was inaugurated by President Eddie Fenech Adami.

The exhibition consists of two sections of photographic enlargements depicting the Russian and Maltese war efforts with their tragedies and deprivation, sacrifice and heroism that led to the victory over fascism and nazism in World War II.

The photographs of the Russian war effort were supplied by the Russian news agency Novosti.

The photos depicting the onslaught on Malta came from Richard J. Caruana's private collection.

At the opening ceremony, war veteran Major Maurice Agius RMA (Retd) recounted some personal recollections of the war.

He was followed by Heritage Malta chairman Mario Tabone, who explained how pleased Heritage Malta was to be hosting an exhibition about such a remarkable event.

Russian Ambassador Valentin S. Vlasov read out a message sent for the occasion by the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov.

Quoting Mr Lavrov, the ambassador said: "The significance of victory for modern history cannot be overestimated. Remembering the events of those years makes us unite our efforts to resist ideas of religious and racial supremacy, which serve as a basis for such new threats as international terrorism, separatism and extremism".

The exhibition remains open until May 13.