Visits of statesmen are the highest form of international communication, they testify to the qualitative state of political, economic and other relations between the two states. The visit can be state, official, work, informal or travel visit.

After the president makes a decision to receive a foreign delegation, the protocol department and the department of state protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develop organizational measures in accordance with the nature of the planned visit and prepare a draft presidential order to conduct it.

The preparation of the guest's stay program for all forms of visit is the same. However, state visits as visits of the highest category are carried out in special cases and no more than once during the time the head of state is in power. During a state visit, a high and honorable level of meeting and seeing off a guest is ensured: at the airport (or train station) the head of a foreign state is met by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Russian Federation conducts an official ceremony of meeting and seeing off in the Kremlin.

In addition, during the visit, the guest is accompanied by a high official, usually at the level of a vice-premier.

After the dates of the visit are finalized, the protocol department of the presidential administration and the protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develop a draft program for the visit of the distinguished guest, taking into account his wishes, then the project is coordinated with the embassy and the so-called advanced groups leaving for Russia during the preparation of the visit.

In preparation for the arrival of their leader in Russia, 30-40 days before the start of the visit, an advance group arrives in Moscow, consisting of representatives of protocol, security, communications, medicine, etc. In some countries, it is considered expedient to send several advance groups with an interval of 2 -3 weeks.

The meeting with the advance group is taking place in the Kremlin, it is attended by representatives of all services involved in the preparation and conduct of the visit on our part.

During the meeting, the details of the welcoming and seeing off ceremonies are discussed; the composition of the participants in the negotiations; details of the official reception, the signing of joint documents, the exchange of gifts. Members of the advanced group get acquainted with the venue for official ceremonies, negotiations, inspect the residence provided by the distinguished guest in the Kremlin. After getting acquainted with the program as a whole, the members of the advance group conduct negotiations “on interests” - protocol with protocol, security with security, etc.

Of great importance is the block of organizational, technical and economic issues, which require special scrupulousness and consideration of all the little things. So, for example, employees of the Russian and foreign protocols agree on the number of persons from the composition of the guest delegation, whose expenses for their stay in Russia are covered by the Russian side. The norms for spending financial resources are also taken into account by the Russian side when determining the number and level of services provided to foreign guests, including accommodation in residences and hotels, the provision of road transport and aviation support (for a flight to one of the cities of the Russian Federation, if this is provided for by the visit program).

During state and official visits, the head of a foreign delegation is provided with a guest residence in the Kremlin, during working visits - one of the mansions on Sparrow Hills. For official accompanying persons, the Russian side may provide rooms in the President Hotel or gold ring". The Kremlin residence is located near the Borovitsky Gate, a little further than the Armory. These apartments have been around for a long time. Here, as a rule, all the heads of state and monarchs who come to Moscow stop. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh stayed here in October 1994. In the era cold war many heads of state chose to stay at their embassies, such as American presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. But already Bill Clinton, accepting the invitation of our protocol service, stopped at the Kremlin. Anyone can pay attention: when a flag of a foreign state flutters over the residence, this means that a distinguished guest is currently located here, who is received by the Russian president.

The number and type of vehicles provided by the Russian side are negotiated with representatives of the advanced group. Usually, the head of state and his wife are served cars of the limousine class, and for accompanying persons - cars or executive class minibuses. For the delivery of luggage from the airport and back, a special vehicle is allocated.

It is customary to sum up the results of the meeting with the advance group during a working breakfast, during which the final clarifications are made.

After the president signs the order to receive the distinguished guest, the protocol department and the protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs begin to prepare reference materials: the program of the visit, which is printed in the form of a brochure in Russian and the language of the guest's country; seating charts for negotiators and official lunch (breakfast); accommodation plan for guests with addresses of residence and numbers of cars assigned to them. Name cards are ordered in the printing house in two languages: large format - to indicate places at the negotiating table and small format, the so-called covert ones, which are installed on the tables for those invited to dinner (breakfast). For each invitee, a card “Your place at the table” is made with the guidelines necessary for such a case. Invitation forms, menu texts and covers for them, programs of performances and concerts as part of the cultural program, speech covers are also handed over to the printing house for printing.

On the eve of the visit, memorable gifts and souvenirs are prepared for the guests, the relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appoint translators for the distinguished guest and his wife, the protocol clerks of the Presidential Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs control the preparation of the airport for the welcoming ceremony and its attributes - state flags, an honor guard and an orchestra. The presidential orchestra is learning the national anthem of the guest's country. Participants of meeting ceremonies, negotiations and protocol events are notified of the time and place of their holding, the relevant services order bouquets of flowers, reserve cars and hotel rooms.

Meeting and seeing off at the airport

During a state visit, a distinguished guest is met by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Russia in the guest's country, during an official visit - by the Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Ambassador of Russia in the guest's country.

State and official visits involve a solemn ceremony of meeting and seeing off at the airport with military honors, except for those cases when the guest arrives in Moscow late in the evening or early in the morning. In other cases, for example, during a working visit, a transit visit, etc., solemn ceremonies are not provided for upon the arrival of a distinguished guest.

When meeting at the airport, the state flags of the guest country and the Russian Federation are raised, and a guard of honor of three types of the Armed Forces is lined up on the airfield. The chairman of the government or one of his deputies, the guest's ambassador in Moscow and the director of the state protocol department of the Foreign Ministry are approaching the gangway.

The Director of the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of the guest's country board the aircraft and invite the head of state to the exit. At the gangway, the head of a foreign state is greeted by the prime minister or his deputy. This moment is captured on photo and film cameras. If the distinguished guest arrives with his wife, she is met at the gangway by the wife of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, who hands the guest a bouquet of flowers. After the performance of the national anthems, the guest's spouse takes a place among the officials accompanying the head of a foreign state.

The Director of the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation invites the head of a foreign state and the Prime Minister to go to the guard of honor. They take their places on the carpet facing the airport building, and the head of the guard of honor gives them a report. Then the head of the foreign state and the Russian prime minister turn to face the guard of honor, and the orchestra plays the national anthems of both countries.

The head of a foreign state and the prime minister take a few steps towards the banner of the guard of honor and greet it with a slight tilt of their heads, after which they walk around the line, then say goodbye to the head of the guard of honor and head to the airport building. The Russian prime minister welcomes the persons accompanying the guest, and the head of a foreign state welcomes Russian officials, heads of diplomatic missions and employees of the embassy of his country.

The chief of protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites the distinguished guest and the head of the Russian government to go to the carpet, and a guard of honor passes in front of them with a solemn march.

If a distinguished guest is sent to a residence provided by the Russian side, the Prime Minister or his deputy follows him to the residence in the same car.

Flags of the country of the guest and the Russian Federation are set on the car. During state and official visits, the car is accompanied by an honorary escort of 9 motorcyclists.

City streets at 3-4 points along the guest's route to the residence must be decorated with the state flags of the guest's country and the Russian Federation.

At the entrance to the Kremlin residence, the head of a foreign state is greeted by the commandant of the Kremlin. The Prime Minister rises with the guest to the third floor, escorting him to the very residence, then says goodbye to him.

The same ceremony is held at the departure of a distinguished guest from Moscow.

Even with such a well-established ceremony, surprises happen, for example, when an arriving plane weather conditions is sent by the dispatcher to land not at the government airport Vnukovo-2, but at some other one. In such cases, everyone who meets them has to take part in impromptu car races along the roads of the Moscow region in order to be in time by the time the ladder is brought to the landing plane. The task in such situations is further complicated by the fact that the guest needs to submit all the necessary vehicles on time and have time to form a cortege, informing the drivers about the traffic routes and the visit program.

Having met the distinguished guest, the protocol department employees seat the guests in cars in accordance with the motorcade scheme, assist foreign colleagues in processing border and customs documents and sending the delegation's luggage to the residence and hotel.

In the residence and hotel where the official delegation is to be accommodated, temporary headquarters are created from among the employees of protocol, security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promptly resolve issues of the stay of foreign guests.

At the airport, distinguished guests are met and escorted by a guard of honor company of the Moscow garrison. The company is based in Moscow, it has its own barracks, its own parade ground, since it spends a lot of time on stepping or the so-called drill, which is absolutely necessary so that in any weather and at any time of the day the movements of the soldiers lined up are impeccable. The company receives an application from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold meetings and farewell events, it also participates in wreath-laying ceremonies. The company has special uniforms, reminiscent of the uniform of the Russian army of Peter the Great.

No less responsibility lies with the presidential orchestra, an indispensable participant in the ceremonies of meeting and seeing off distinguished guests.

I am reminded of a curious incident that took place back in Soviet times, in the summer of 1974, at the farewell ceremony for US President Nixon, who came to Moscow for the last time in this capacity. His visit was overshadowed by the then unfolding campaign in the United States for the impeachment of the president, which was based on the Watergate case. Nevertheless, a number of important documents were signed during the visit, including on the reduction of strategic arms. The President arrived at the airport accompanied by Prime Minister A. N. Kosygin. The orchestra played the anthems of the two countries and then, as it should be, began to perform marches while waiting for the engines of our Il-62 aircraft, which was supposed to deliver Nixon to Kyiv, from where, in accordance with the program, already on his plane, he flew to Washington. I was then part of a group that participated in the farewell to the American president. The orchestra kept playing and playing, but the engines still wouldn't start. As it became known later, the commander of the ship reported that one of the engines did not start, and it was decided to transfer to a spare aircraft, which, as expected, was standing nearby. It immediately became clear that there was no on-board food on the reserve aircraft. Then Kosygin and Bugaev, who was then the Minister of Civil Aviation, boarded the plane and, having apologized, suggested that the distinguished guest go to the waiting room while the reserve plane was being prepared. And our female flight attendants began to carry food prepared for the American delegation on trays. When one of the stewardesses stepped onto the gangway with oranges, they rolled off the tray and scattered across the field. The whole world then watched newsreels with these oranges. Of course they didn't show us. And all the time, while the American president was transferred to another plane, until the moment when the liner taxied to the runway, the orchestra played peppy marches.

Previously, the visits of distinguished guests lasted 7-10 days, and they had the opportunity to visit several cities Soviet Union. Now it is not customary to make long visits, and therefore guests only occasionally visit one of the cities of Russia.

During state and official visits, a motorcade of cars carrying a distinguished guest is accompanied by an escort of motorcyclists. This happens at any time of the year, except for winter, when traffic on highways is difficult due to weather conditions. If you ever see such an escort on the street at a time when the Russian president himself is on a trip around the country or abroad of our Motherland, this means that you are watching a training run, working out some movement parameters. All motorcyclists of the escort are employees of the Special Purpose Garage, as well as the cars that are served to distinguished guests. Our motorcycles, created at the Izhevsk plant, participate in the escort, powerful machines with good maneuverability. And although motorcyclists, of course, are not stuntmen, they can do a lot of things, and above all they can shoot well.

The scheme of the meeting of the head of a foreign state is necessarily sent to the embassies so that they are aware of and can participate in it. Usually, during a state visit, the guest is met by the chairman of the government, if the visit is official - one of his deputies. We have always had a clear agreement in this regard, and there has never been such a thing that responsible persons from the government did not come to the airport. Another thing is that, it happened, they would come in the wrong clothes. Everyone probably remembers how Nemtsov, being First Deputy Prime Minister, met one of the high-ranking guests in white trousers.

Clinton was once considered one of the promising young senators before he became president. During a reception in honor of Clinton, pointing to Nemtsov, Yeltsin said: “We also have a young politician growing up, he has just turned thirty, maybe he will be president!” Clinton called Nemtsov over to greet him, and without hesitation, instead of walking around, he extended his hand across the table to him. Of course, I had to explain to him later that he was wrong.

When the Queen of England arrived in Moscow in October 1994, President Yeltsin, as an exception, went to the airport himself to meet her. And already in 2003, Jacques Chirac personally met Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin at the airport. Before, we had cases when our president was also met and seen off by the heads of state. This happened spontaneously and showed the president's special disposition towards his Russian guest.

Protocol is a very delicate matter. Mitterrand met us - my French partners have the opportunity to hint to me that now it would not hurt our president to go to the airport to meet the president of France. But usually, of course, I have not heard such proposals, since such a decision remains solely at the discretion of the host. Our partners are well aware that they have made a derogation from general rule confirmed by international practice.

Kings and queens, as a rule, can visit the country only once. Representatives of the royal families mostly meet with each other: at weddings, christenings, funerals. Regarding the permission for the visit of their monarchs and the allocation of funds for it in some countries openly, in others - at closed meetings, this issue is decided by the Council of Ministers, since we are talking about large public expenditures.

The visit of the English Queen Elizabeth II to our country was a serious test both for the employees of the relevant protocol services and for our high-ranking officials. The President accompanied the Queen on her trip to St. Petersburg. In the course of organizing and holding the royal reception on board the Britannia yacht, we tried to take into account all the features of the British royal protocol.

Location of participants in official conversations, negotiations, dinners

When placing or seating members of delegations and accompanying persons, as well as those invited to various official ceremonies, the principle of protocol seniority, which is widely used in modern international practice, is used.

As a guide, the protocol list approved by the president of the highest officials of the state, listed in a strictly defined sequence in accordance with the constitution, is usually taken. The first in this list is the president, the second - the chairman of the government, then - the leaders of the Federation Council and the State Duma, the chairmen of the Constitutional, Supreme and Supreme Arbitration Courts, the prosecutor general. They are followed by the first deputy chairmen of the government, the minister of foreign affairs, deputy chairmen of the chambers of parliament, etc.

In recent years, for the first time in the post-revolutionary history of Russia, during official events in protocol seniority, the merits of Russian citizens awarded the highest Russian orders of St. Andrew the First-Called and "For Merit to the Fatherland" II, III, IV degrees began to be emphasized.

It may seem that when arranging the participants in the ceremonies, it is only necessary to have lists of delegations and to see the invitees to their places on time. In fact, during any visit, an atmosphere of solemn nervousness invariably arises: the lateness of individuals from the Russian and foreign delegations, the desire of those standing in the “line” to regroup at their discretion require maximum attention and tact from the protocol staff.

According to the established Russian protocol tradition, the participants of the ceremonies are lined up, as a rule, at a meeting and seeing off at the airport, an official meeting and seeing off in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Catherine Hall of the Kremlin residence of the Russian President.

The next morning after the arrival of the English Queen Elizabeth II in Moscow, we all expected her to leave, but for some reason the queen did not appear. She stayed at the Kremlin residence, and the meeting with President Yeltsin was to take place in the Kremlin Palace. I sent my assistant Alexander Marshev to find out what was the matter. He comes running and says: “The queen's chief governess overslept and did not prepare flowers for her. Until they make a bouquet, the queen will not come out.

We then first noticed that Elizabeth II always has a small bouquet of flowers in her hands. I don't think it's a coincidence. There are many such awkward moments when, not observing etiquette, a lady is given a hand, without waiting for her to give it herself. Apparently, this happens not only in Russia, therefore, protecting the queen from unexpected and improper handshakes, her protocol established such a rule that the queen should always hold a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Everyone sees that the queen's hands are busy, and if necessary, she will extend her hand herself.

So after some hesitation, the queen finally came out, apologized and said: "Mine also let me down at times."

With etiquette in relation to the queen, it is generally not easy: it often cancels the generally accepted and observed rules of good manners. For example, the queen, unlike any other woman, cannot be supported under the elbow when she goes down the stairs.

Negotiation

According to Russian protocol practice, if official negotiations are held in the Kremlin, they usually take place in a representative office and begin with a one-on-one conversation between the Russian president and the head of a foreign state. During this conversation, as a rule, there are recorders and translators - one from each side.

At the end of the negotiations, depending on the further program, the heads and members of the delegations either say goodbye in the representative office or go to the Embassy Hall of the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation for the ceremony of signing joint documents.

Signing of documents

The Embassy Hall is intended for the presentation of credentials by ambassadors of foreign states (it was used during the reconstruction of the BKD), it is also customary to sign interstate agreements and treaties here. The very name of the hall - Posolsky - reflects the essence of the events taking place in it. The design of the hall is dominated by the coat of arms of Russia - a double-headed eagle. It can be seen on the walls, upholstered in purple fabric, on an exquisite bronze chandelier. The golden threads with which the heraldic eagles are embroidered add a special brilliance and splendor to the appearance of the hall.

The signing of joint documents in the Embassy Hall is carried out, as a rule, after the completion of negotiations in the representative office in the presence of the participants in the negotiations, who are located to the right and left of the table next to the flags of their states.

The President of the Russian Federation and the head of a foreign state take their places at the table, while the head of a foreign state is located to the right of the Russian president.

An employee of the Russian Foreign Ministry reads out in Russian and foreign languages ​​the names of the signed documents. After signing the joint documents and their alternatives, the Russian president and his foreign partner exchange documents and shake hands.

Champagne is served.

In some cases, depending on the political significance of the signed documents, the parties may give short answers to 2-3 questions from journalists.

While the heads of state are holding a face-to-face meeting, short-term conversations between members of the Russian and foreign delegations usually take place in the Gostiny and Fireplace halls.

The program of an official or working meeting may include a breakfast on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, to which only negotiators are invited to continue discussing the issues raised at the meeting, but in a more relaxed atmosphere. Such breakfasts are arranged in the Small Banquet Hall of the residence.

The representative premises mentioned above make up the enfilade of the second floor of the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Each of these halls has its own type of decor. The Gostiny Hall is executed in an excellent artistic vein: a combination of white, blue and gilding on the furniture and doors, oval mirrors in bronze frames, and type-setting parquet emphasize the impression of solemnity. The banquet hall is designed in light yellow and blue tones, and its interior corresponds to the classical traditions of the 18th century. The hall is greatly enlarged by high rectangular mirrors located between the semi-columns. Symbols of Russia - double-headed heraldic eagles - are mounted in a bronze chandelier that adorns the painted ceiling.

Official meeting in the Catherine Hall

When the President of the Russian Federation receives the head of a foreign state in the Catherine Hall, this ceremony is not much different from the one held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The head of a foreign state arrives at the guest entrance of the courtyard of the Kremlin residence of the Russian president and, having passed through the foyer, goes up front staircase in Catherine's Hall. And in the foyer, and on the main staircase, he is met by a guard of honor.

In the Catherine Hall, the Russian participants of the meeting and accompanying persons are waiting for the distinguished guest. To meet him, to the sound of presidential fanfare, the President of the Russian Federation comes out from the Conference Room.

Having met in the center of the hall, the presidents shake hands and head to the place marked with the respective flags. They are photographed for memory, after which the national anthems of the guest country and the Russian Federation are played.

If the guest arrives with his wife, the ceremony participants are arranged in the following order: the guest's wife stands to the left of the President of the Russian Federation, the wife of the President of the Russian Federation - to the right of the guest. The wife of the President of the Russian Federation presents a bouquet of flowers to the guest's wife.

The Presidents pass to greet and introduce the Russian officials and the official delegation of the guest, after which they leave the hall.

Official lunch in the Catherine Hall

After the number and composition of the guests are finally determined, options for arranging tables are first worked out, then a plan and order of seating for guests are drawn up, and a menu is selected.

The guests get acquainted with the main provisions of the official dinner scenario from the inserts sent along with the invitations.

Here is a sample insert and invitation to an official dinner on the occasion of the visit of the King of Norway to the Russian Federation:

“Invited to the official dinner arrive at the arch of the courtyard of the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation and, having passed through the guest entrance, gather in the foyer on the first floor.

They are given presentation cards and seating cards at the tables; an aperitif is served.

The gathering of guests ends at 18.40.

At 19.00, guests are invited to climb the main staircase to the Meeting Room. Upon entering the Conference Room, the presentation cards are handed over to the protocol officer of the President of the Russian Federation. In the Conference Room, the invitees are introduced to the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin, King Harald V of Norway, Queen Sonja and N.I. Yeltsina, then the invitees proceed to the Catherine Hall to their places at the tables in accordance with the seating plan.

Dress code: men - a dark suit, women - an evening long dress, military personnel - full dress uniform with medal blocks.

In the premises of the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation, please refrain from smoking.”

Those invited to the official dinner gather at the arch of the courtyard of the Kremlin residence of the Russian president. After passing through the guest entrance, they gather in the foyer on the ground floor, where they are given seating cards at the tables (for a state visit, also presentation cards) and an aperitif is served.

The gathering of guests ends 15–20 minutes before the start of the official dinner. At this time, the Russian president, the head of a foreign state and their spouses meet in the Conference Room.

At the appointed time, guests are invited to climb the main staircase to the Meeting Room. During a state visit, a guard of honor is lined up on the main staircase. In the Conference Room, the invitees introduce themselves to the Russian president and the head of a foreign state.

If the guest arrives with his wife, the heads of state and their spouses are arranged to greet the guests in the following order: the President of Russia, the guest, the guest's wife, the wife of the President of Russia.

After the performance, the guests go to the Catherine Hall to their places at the tables. The Russian president and the head of a foreign state enter the hall last, to the sound of presidential fanfare.

At the beginning of the dinner, the heads of state exchange official speeches and toasts. Translations of speeches and toasts are prepared in advance and laid out on the tables. The Russian president is the first to speak, then the head of a foreign state.

At the end of the dinner, first, to the sound of presidential fanfare, the presidents leave the hall, followed by the rest.

During the course of a state visit, those invited to an official dinner, upon entering the Conference Room, hand over their presentation cards to the president's protocol officer, who reads them to both presidents.

Official lunch (breakfast) at the Palace of Facets

An obligatory element of the program of state, official or working visits of the head of a foreign state to Moscow is a reception (breakfast or lunch) arranged in his honor by the Russian president in the Faceted Chamber of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The Faceted Chamber is the oldest surviving building of the Grand Kremlin Palace, built in 1487–1491. The chamber served as a throne room. Here, in a solemn atmosphere, foreign ambassadors were received, festivities were held on the occasion of events of national importance. In 1552, Ivan the Terrible celebrated here the conquest of the Kazan Khanate; in 1653, in the Palace of the Facets, the ambassadors of Hetman Bogdan Khmelnytsky conveyed to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich the will of the Ukrainian people "to stand under the arm of the Tsar of Moscow"; in 1709, Peter I celebrated the victory over the Swedes near Poltava here, etc.

When preparing for the reception, the most suitable option for arranging tables is selected, which depends on the number of guests and whether the guest arrived with his wife or not. If the head of a foreign state comes to Russia with his wife, most of the guests from the Russian side are invited with their spouses, and oval tables for 7–8 people are set up in the Chamber of Facets. If the reception is held without wives, a U-shaped table is placed. With a large number of guests, a different design is assembled, consisting of a main rectangular table and four beam-tables extending from it.

Having chosen the table arrangement scheme, the protocol staff begin to draw up a seating plan for Russian and foreign guests. At receptions of this level, guests are seated with the obligatory observance of the protocol seniority adopted in Russia and in the country of the guest. The most honorable place at the main table - on the right hand of the Russian president - is given to the main guest, on the left hand sits the second most important person. Then, if the reception is with spouses, the wife of the guest is located to the left of the Russian president, and the wife of the president of Russia sits next to the guest. Further, according to this principle, the rest of the guests are seated, taking into account that the farther from the main persons, the less honorable the seats. Places must necessarily alternate - a man is placed next to a woman and vice versa. At the same time, it should be remembered that a husband and wife should not sit together, and in case of a “divorce” at different tables, the wife has the protocol seniority of her husband. In addition, you cannot offer a woman a place at the end of the table if a man is not sitting at its end.

Interpreters are placed behind the chairs of the guests. It is impossible to assign an interpreter to each guest, therefore, first of all, they are provided to those sitting at the main table, as well as negotiators and especially honored guests from both sides. When seating the rest of the invitees, the guests' knowledge of foreign languages, as well as the common interests of those sitting at the same table, are taken into account as much as possible. When the number of invitees reaches 120 people, the protocol staff have to solve real puzzles.

From time to time, a scheme that was hardly found has to be changed literally on the go. There are times when, shortly before the start of the meal, it becomes known that one or another of the guests will not be able to come to the reception. It is necessary to literally “patch up” the disintegrating scheme, using backup seating options, trying to arrange so that the festive mood of the guests is not overshadowed by the slightest inconvenience, and the ceremonial part of the dinner goes according to the established rules.

The text of the invitation to the reception is usually very concise, in accordance with the requirements of international diplomatic protocol and etiquette. The form, size, number and content of the invitations sent depend on the venue of the event, the capacity of the hall and, most importantly, on the representative level of the main guest of the President of the Russian Federation.

In addition, according to a long tradition, the invitation is a kind of pass to the event. In tsarist times, there were special "coachman's" tickets for entering the Kremlin, which were issued to those invited at the office of the State Duma. Now invitations are delivered by officers of the state courier service under the government of the Russian Federation or sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to embassies or directly to guests.

An equally important role in the official dinner is played by a properly composed menu. So, when organizing official events in honor of the leaders of countries professing Islam, alcoholic drinks and dishes prepared from pork are completely excluded from the menu. During visits to Russia by Indian government delegations, a special menu is prepared, which completely excludes beef and veal dishes, since the cow is a sacred animal in India.

In addition to the invitation itself, the envelope contains the so-called insert, which indicates the procedure for the reception. So, for a dinner on the occasion of the official visit of the President of the United States of America, the following inserts were attached to the invitations:

“Invited to dinner arrive at the Grand Kremlin Palace through the main entrance, climb the main staircase and pass through the entrance hall to Ge orgievsky hall. They are given seating cards at the tables. The gathering of guests ends 15 minutes before the start of lunch.

Around 19:00, guests are invited to the Vladimir Hall. They introduce themselves to the President of the Russian Federation, N. I. Yeltsina, the President of the United States of America, Mr. William J. Clinton, Mrs. H. Clinton, and through the Holy Entrance they go to the Faceted Chamber, where they stop at their places determined by the seating plan.

At the end of the dinner, the guests go to the St. George Hall of the BKDU, where concert.

In order to preserve the artistic values ​​of the Grand Kremlin Palace, please refrain from smoking.”

The insert may indicate the form of clothing, for example: men - a dark suit, women - an evening long dress, military personnel - dress uniform with order blocks.

As can be seen from the contents of the insert, the persons invited to the official dinner arrive at the St. George's Hall 15–20 minutes before it starts.

The President of the Russian Federation and the head of a foreign state meet in the Winter Garden and a few minutes before the start of dinner they go to the center of the Vladimir Hall to greet the guests.

If the head of a foreign state arrives with his wife, the presidents and their spouses are located in the center of the hall facing in the following order: President of Russia, guest, wife of the guest, wife of the President of Russia. Having introduced themselves to the presidents, the guests go to the Faceted Chamber and take their places at the tables.

As I have already said, formal toasts and speeches are made at the beginning of the meal, translations of the speeches are laid out on the tables. At this time, representatives of funds are invited to the hall mass media.

At the end of dinner, both presidents are the first to leave the Faceted Chamber.

In 1995, the Red Porch, destroyed in the 30s of the last century, was added to the Holy Entrance of the Faceted Chamber. In the old days people passed through the white-stone Red Porch only on especially solemn occasions: through it the tsars went to the Assumption Cathedral for coronation and marriage, here the sovereign showed himself and bowed to the people on the days of special celebrations. Crowned persons and foreign ambassadors of Christian countries went up to the palace along the Red Porch and left it, thereby giving them a special honor.

With the restoration of the historical appearance of the front porch, this good tradition was also revived. So, during the official visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the President of Russia, accompanying her for a walk around the Kremlin, took the Queen through the Red Porch. After the signing of the integration documents between Russia and Belarus, the presidents of the two countries and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II descended from the Grand Kremlin Palace to Cathedral Square along the Red Porch.

Conversations and negotiations

Meetings and conversations of the President of Russia with the heads of foreign states, as well as talks in a narrow and expanded format are the key events of the visit. The official part of the program of the heads of foreign states begins with conversations and negotiations with the President of the Russian Federation.

To conduct such conversations, the protocol department draws up a list of meeting participants from the Russian and foreign sides. Usually, one recorder and one translator are present at the conversations. As a rule, assistants to the heads of state on foreign policy issues act as recorders. After the venue for this event is determined, the recorders notify the negotiators from the Russian side, the press and ensure the timely arrival of the delegation to the Kremlin.

For a conversation with the President of Russia, the head of the foreign delegation is accompanied by a representative of the protocol service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the Kremlin, he is met by a representative of the protocol department of the Russian president. He escorts the guest to the Green Drawing Room of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Previously, it was called the Front Divan Room and served as a resting place for the most honored guests who participated in royal receptions and balls. Here, by the fireplace, at a small table, the interlocutors are located opposite each other under the flags of their states.

In the case when the head of a foreign state is in the Russian Federation on a working visit, and also when the parties wish to emphasize the special nature of the visit, the conversation takes place in the Kremlin residence of the President.

Negotiations in an expanded format

Negotiations between the President of Russia and the heads of foreign states follow the same pattern, only the venue for the negotiations and the composition of the participants change.

Previously, plenary sessions (that is, meetings in an expanded format) were held exclusively in the Hall of the Order of St. Catherine, the former Throne Room of Empress Catherine I, head of the Catherine Order.

The Order of St. Catherine (Order of the Liberation) is a special and the only female order in Russia. It was established by Peter I in memory of the withdrawal of the Russian army from the Turkish encirclement in 1711. Catherine I played a big role in her rescue, whose jewels were used to bribe the commander of the Turkish army. In tsarist Russia, the order was awarded to the wives of the highest royal dignitaries and ladies-in-waiting of the imperial court.

Now negotiations in an expanded format can also be held in the Georgievsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Before they start, a foreign delegation enters the Hall of the Order of St. Catherine from the side of the Green Lounge, and our president and the Russian negotiators - from the side of the Cavalier Guard Hall. The delegation of each of the parties has no more than twelve people.

Having met in the center of the hall, on the side located along the windows, both presidents shake hands and take pictures (photographers and TV reporters are invited in advance).

The participants in the negotiations take the places indicated by the cover cards, the interpreters sit to the left of the heads of delegations. They are filmed and photographed again, after which the media representatives leave the hall.

In the same way, expanded negotiations are being held in the Georgievsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

If during the negotiations it is decided to immediately sign a joint working document, both parties go to the Red Room.

Both presidents occupy chairs at the table (the head of a foreign state is to the right of the president of the Russian Federation). The negotiators stand to the right and left of the table on the side of the flags of their states.

The signing of major final documents is held in a more solemn atmosphere in the Vladimir Hall in the presence of a wide range of guests and numerous representatives of the press.

Signing of final documents

The signing of the final documents usually takes place in the Vladimir Hall. The Vladimir Hall is the front room of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where representatives of the merchant and petty-bourgeois classes who participated in the highest receptions gathered. It is named after the Order of St. Vladimir, established by Catherine II in honor of Kyiv Prince Vladimir the Red Sun, the baptizer of Russia.

Before signing the final documents, both presidents meet in the Winter Garden a few minutes before the start of the ceremony. At this time, invitees gather in the Vladimir Hall, and the negotiators stand to the right and left of the table on the side of the flags of their states.

At the appointed time, the Russian president and the head of a foreign state descend the stairs from the Winter Garden to the Vladimir Hall to the table at which the signing is to take place, and take their places in chairs (the head of a foreign state is on the right hand of the Russian president).

Having signed the joint documents and their alternatives, the presidents exchange them and shake hands. Champagne is served.

Sometimes, after signing, the heads of delegations say a few words at the microphones located on both sides of the table, or approach the press and answer two or three questions from journalists.

Presentation of credentials

The presentation of credentials is an event held by the Presidential Protocol Department and the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For the ambassador of a foreign state, who must present his credentials to the Russian president, a ZIL executive car is sent, in which, accompanied by an employee of the state protocol department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, he arrives at the Kremlin.

Not later than 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony, the ambassadors of foreign states enter the courtyard of the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. After passing through the guest entrance, they climb the front stairs to the second floor. A guard of honor is posted along their route. The meeting place for ambassadors is the Exhibition Hall, where the Kremlin museums display their expositions.

A few minutes before the start of the ceremony, ambassadors of foreign states are invited to the Catherine Hall, where they line up. In addition to them, there are representatives of the media in the hall.

At the appointed time, the President, accompanied by the Deputy Head of his Administration and the Minister (or First Deputy Minister) of Foreign Affairs of Russia, enters the hall from the side of the Consultation Room and goes to the place where the Russian flag and the standard of the President of the Russian Federation are installed.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stands on the right hand of the President, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Foreign Policy Affairs - on the left. The Director of the State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the Ambassador presenting his credentials. The Ambassador approaches the President along the red carpet, presents his credentials and, after shaking hands, takes a place to the right of the President for photographing, after which he returns to his seat.

Upon completion of the presentation of credentials, the president addresses the ambassadors with a short speech. Champagne is served.

The President holds an informal conversation with the ambassadors, after which the ceremony of presenting credentials is considered completed.

Laying wreaths

The laying of wreaths by the heads of foreign states at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow takes place with the obligatory participation of the guard of honor and the orchestra.

The guard of honor lines up in two lines in front of the grave. On the right flank of the guard of honor, combat banners are installed, the orchestra is located to the right of the banners. Sentinels with carbines at their feet are posted at the grave. Employees of the embassy of the guest's country deliver the wreath in advance.

The distinguished guest is met by Russian officials, as well as the military commandant of Moscow, after which the delegation passes along the guard of honor.

The leading officer of the guard of honor goes first, followed by two or three steps away, two officers carrying a wreath (sometimes these are persons from a foreign delegation assigned to carry a wreath), followed by the head of a foreign state.

The main guest is escorted: on the right - the military commandant, on the left - the main escort from the Russian side and the director of the state protocol department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, then the delegation, Russian officials, employees of the embassy of the guest's country follow.

With the approach of the delegation, at the command of the chief, the guard of honor takes the position “at attention” with alignment towards the guests. The orchestra performs mournful and solemn melodies. The battle flags are leaning forward. When the delegation approaches the grave, the orchestra falls silent. The head of a foreign state lays a wreath and honors the memory of the dead with a minute of silence.

Attending a theater or concert

During state and official visits to the Russian Federation of the heads of state and government, the program of the stay may include a visit to a theater performance or concert.

In such cases, employees of the protocol department arrive at the theater or concert hall in advance, who deliver flower baskets to be presented to artists or musicians on behalf of the distinguished guest, the Russian president or his representative. The President and his distinguished guest are provided with the central box of the theater or concert hall. If the visit is state or official, the state flags of the guest's country and the Russian Federation are hung on both sides of the box, and before the start of the performance, the national anthems of the two countries are played. During an unofficial visit, flags are not flown and hymns are not sung.

In the box, programs and librettos printed in Russian and the language of the guest's country are laid out in advance. All arrivals are seated in accordance with protocol seniority. At the end of the performance, two baskets with business cards are brought onto the stage - from the distinguished guest and the President of the Russian Federation.

At the end of the performance, at the request of the guests, a brief meeting with leading artists or directors can take place, and a buffet table can be organized during the intermission.

official receptions

The tradition of holding receptions came to us from the distant past. Receptions are designed to demonstrate peacefulness and kindness, hospitality and hospitality of the people.

Usually, at receptions, guests are served dishes of national cuisine, but there are times when guests, for some reason, cannot eat these dishes. For example, among distinguished guests there are vegetarians. Usually this issue is raised during the preparation of the visit. In such cases, the protocol service finds out the number of guests who do not eat livestock products. Naturally, the Kremlin cooks prepare special dishes for such guests. A discreet sign is placed on the corresponding cover cards, which allows the waiter not to confuse which dishes this guest can be served.

Usually, when we host a foreign head of state, we always ask what kind of cuisine our guest prefers. The usual answer in such cases is: there are no special wishes. However, if a guest has health problems, the people keeping his protocol will definitely report this, and we do everything so that the guest not only does not remain hungry, but also enjoys our treat. The inclusion of dishes traditional for the guest's country in the menu of the official reception is considered a gesture of special respect towards a foreign delegation.

As for drinks, it is customary in international practice to offer red and white wine during a meal. But if, for example, there is no vodka at our reception, they will simply not understand us.

In recent years, problems have begun to arise with wine: the quality of wines produced in the territory of present-day Russia leaves much to be desired, and the wines that we export from the CIS countries cost us not much cheaper than French ones, and there are a lot of fakes among them. For example, today you can buy Khvanchkara and Kindzmarauli anywhere and as much as you like, but in Soviet times, the grape varieties from which they were made grew only in a certain place, and these wines were difficult to buy even in Tbilisi.

In order to arrange receptions during our foreign visits, we took with us several cooks who knew Russian cuisine well, and well-trained waiters. Now the so-called return receptions have become less common, and earlier they were certainly part of the protocol practice: if, for example, today Reagan gives a reception in honor of Gorbachev, then tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we must organize a return reception at our embassy. Then, for the sake of economy, we carried a lot of products with us. We still carry part of the products: vodka, caviar, our pickles. Previously, our brown bread was very popular in the world, especially among the French and Americans. We brought him with us. Bread baking has always been ours. Now this is no longer relevant: all over the world, bread products have become much less in demand. Everything else can be bought on the market or in a store, and modern technical means make it possible to determine the quality of products on the spot.

We do not arrange big receptions, usually we have 80-100 people abroad. In Russia - not much more, about 120 people. The largest reception was for 150 people, when the English Queen Elizabeth II was in Russia on an official visit. And, of course, in honor of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, when there were a lot of distinguished guests.

Most often, the limited number of invitees was explained by the fact that we did not have the appropriate premises for quite a long time. In France, for example, the reception takes place simultaneously in different halls of the Elysee Palace, and an impressive number of guests can be accommodated there. For Americans, this issue is resolved even more interestingly. There are few rooms in the White House suitable for large gatherings of people. The hall there is designed for 80 people, and there are always many more people who want to get to the reception, and among them there are many high-ranking guests. Let's assume that only 15 seats are reserved for the Russian delegation, and its composition is 20 people. Those who did not make it to the main part of the reception are invited by the hosts to a concert that takes place after the reception. Approximately at 21 o'clock those who received an invitation arrive there. They are served champagne, cognac, cigars. If we tried to organize a reception with us in this way, conversations would begin that guests are divided into blacks and whites. But, I think, someday the understanding will come that this is a completely acceptable form of holding such events. Although I know that now all kinds of associations at the Radisson Hotel or somewhere else hold very crowded receptions, with a thousand or more people.

Currently, several types of official receptions have been established in international practice, each of which has its own etiquette.

Daily appointments

Daytime receptions include “working breakfast”, “glass of champagne”, “glass of wine”, breakfasts.

The “working breakfast” is usually held during the visits of the Russian president abroad to meet with representatives of the business community or for working meetings with heads of state at multilateral international forums.

The "working breakfast" is usually arranged between 8.00-8.30 am and lasts no more than one hour and fifteen minutes. It invites a limited number of guests. There are no toasts or special performances during the breakfast.

"A glass of champagne" usually starts at 12 noon and lasts an hour and a half. During the reception, in addition to champagne, guests are served wine, juices, mineral water. Drinks and light snacks are served by waiters. The “glass of wine” technique is similar.

It is possible to invite guests with their spouses to such receptions.

Breakfast is usually arranged between 12.30 and 15.00 and lasts up to an hour and a half. When organizing breakfast on the Russian side, the menu includes one or two cold appetizers, one fish or meat dish and a dessert. Sometimes a first course and a hot appetizer are served at breakfast.

Before breakfast, guests are offered juices, dry wine is served at the table, and in conclusion - champagne, coffee, tea. Since breakfast is most often of a business nature (except for official breakfasts in honor of a distinguished foreign guest), those invited usually come to it without their spouses.

Evening receptions

In international protocol practice, it is generally accepted that daytime receptions are less solemn than evening ones.

One of them is "tea", usually arranged between 4 and 6 pm, usually for women. In Russian protocol practice, this type of reception is used when the wife of the President of Russia invites the wife of a distinguished foreign guest, other women during official visits of heads of state and government to our country.

No more than 7–10 women are invited to “tea”, they are usually seated at the same table and treated with sweets, cookies, pastries, small sandwiches, fruits, and drinks.

Another type of evening reception is the "cocktail", which starts between 17 and 19 hours and lasts about two hours. During the reception, waiters serve drinks, as well as cold and hot snacks. Often 2-3 buffets are arranged at different ends of the hall, where waiters offer drinks to guests.

A reception like "a la buffet" is a little different from a "cocktail", especially since it is held at the same hours. At the buffet reception, tables are set with snacks and hot dishes, and guests choose their own treat and put it on their plates. In buffets, waiters serve drinks to guests.

Receptions "cocktail" and "a la buffet" are held standing up, at the end champagne, ice cream and coffee are served.

At the "lunch-buffet" reception, which starts at 18-20 o'clock, guests, having collected snacks for themselves, are seated at their own discretion at small tables designed for 4-6 people.

At all of the above receptions, guests are usually invited with their spouses.

Dinner is considered the most solemn type of reception. According to Russian protocol practice, lunch usually starts at 7 pm and is held in the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Catherine Hall of the President's Kremlin residence, or the Reception House on Sparrow Hills.

The gala dinner includes performances by the host and guest. It is preliminary stipulated that they will last no more than 5-7 minutes, at the very beginning of the event. When everyone takes their seats, the Russian president stands up and delivers his speech, the translation of which, pre-prepared and printed, is already on the tables so as not to waste time on interpretation. We also receive the speech of the guest the day before, print it out in Russian and lay it out on the tables. If the speaker wants to say a few words in addition to the text, he says: I digress from the text, I ask the interpreter to help. Such cases are very rare and are associated with strong impressions that aroused corresponding emotions in the host or guest.

The exchange of speeches takes 15 minutes, after which the press leaves, the microphones are removed, live music sounds, conversations, jokes, and laughter begin. Waiters bring snacks, hot dishes.

In accordance with Russian national traditions, the official dinner menu includes two or three cold appetizers, the first: soup, borscht, hot fish and hot meat dishes.

There are no drinks on the table. A glass of vodka is poured in advance, which, of course, you can not drink. In recent years, Boris Nikolayevich was not even given a glass of vodka, he drank only red wine. The waiters go around the guests and offer them red and white wine. It used to be firmly established that white wine is served with fish, and red wine with meat. Now the tradition of wine drinking is changing, everyone can determine for himself what kind of wine he prefers to eat meat and fish with. At the end of the dinner, sweets are served: cakes, pastries, fruits, coffee, tea. The waiters offer champagne. Rising from the table, the guests go to another room, where they are treated to cognac, liquor, coffee, where you can smoke. In the Kremlin, we usually ask our guests at receptions not to smoke, but not everyone responds to our request. There are many who do not deny themselves anything; It is clear that the owners have to endure this.

During lunch, a small concert of light music is organized. Only a very limited number of guests are invited to dinner with spouses.

Clothing for official receptions

Since ancient times, in international practice, there has been a tradition of strict observance of the rules for choosing clothes when attending official receptions. These rules are as strict today as they were centuries ago.

Clothing for men was and remains the most conservative, and therefore strictly regulated. For formal events, a man is recommended to have a tuxedo, tailcoat and a classic suit in his wardrobe.

Tuxedo and tailcoat are increasingly used in world protocol practice as types of evening wear. When holding events on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation in Moscow, the tailcoat is not yet used, while in a number of states (Sweden, France) it is traditional clothing for official receptions.

When a tailcoat is required, the official invitation is written "white tie" (literally - "white tie"). The classic tailcoat requires a white waistcoat and a white bow tie (a black bow tie is used in combination with a tailcoat only by waiters and orchestra musicians).

Tuxedo is more common in Russian protocol practice. It originated in the UK, where men traditionally smoked cigars. Cigar ash, getting on the lapels of the jacket, left noticeable traces. To avoid this, a special “smoking jacket” was invented, the lapels of which were covered with silk or semi-silk fabric. Almost unchanged, the tuxedo has survived to this day and has remained one of the main elements of clothing for special occasions.

A tuxedo is required if the official invitation is marked "black tie" ("black tie"). In the case of a tuxedo, this phrase should be taken literally - a bow tie as an element of a tuxedo when attending an official reception can only be black. The tuxedo requires a white shirt, a dark belt, patent leather shoes, carefully selected accessories (cufflinks, a handkerchief in the breast pocket). The classic tuxedo is always black; recently, colored tuxedos (for example, white) have not been recommended for official receptions.

Most often, when holding official receptions on behalf of the Russian president and his wife, an ordinary classic suit is used in protocol practice. The requirements for the costume are simple: a good cut, high-quality fabric, calm colors. Formal costume can only be one color. It is advisable to avoid colored vests. Navy blue blazers with gold buttons are also unacceptable for a formal occasion.

For an evening event, a navy blue suit is ideal (it may have a barely noticeable stripe), a dark gray suit is also possible. It is not recommended to wear a black suit. For official events starting before 19:00, you can wear a light-colored suit. Despite the current wealth of choice, the costume model should be classic and fit the figure of its owner.

For all official events, men are advised to wear a plain white shirt and a tie in a calm color. Today, a handkerchief in the breast pocket of a jacket is often used as an accessory. The handkerchief must be of the same quality as the tie and must match it in color.

An important element of appearance is shoes. Reversing the famous phrase of G. Ford, which he said about the color of the car, I will say that shoes for an official reception can be of any color, but only if this color is black. It is recommended to wear black classic low shoes and, of course, black socks.

Military personnel must take part in official receptions in their full dress with medal blocks.

Women have always had more freedom in choosing a costume. Unlike men's, women's clothing is difficult to regulate in detail. Here it is important to observe only a number of principles, and above all the one according to which the basis of women's formal clothing always remains classic silhouettes and colors.

At the same time, women's clothing should correspond to the time and meet the existing high fashion trends. For example, lately, at formal events, you can often see women in dark trouser suits, as well as in elegant cropped dresses. In some countries, a women's suit comes into fashion as an official one, resembling a classic tuxedo in style.

For daytime events, you should not wear a long evening dress, a dress of regular length, a dress-suit or a classic women's suit is much more acceptable. In this case, the overall color scheme should be moderately calm, and the dress or skirt should be of reasonable length.

For evening events, it is customary to wear an elegant evening dress, long or medium length. It can be of any classic color, but it must be combined with the color of the suit of the lady's companion. Do not wear an overly open dress to the reception.

Separately, it should be said about the make-up and accessories of the lady. Make-up should not be flashy, and bright evening make-up is acceptable only for evening events. A large amount of jewelry is also unacceptable. The color and texture of the handbag should match the overall appearance. It is not recommended to use a headdress, especially a hat, as an element of an evening ladies' costume. For an evening dress, you can wear silk or lace gloves, and the shorter the sleeve, the longer the gloves should be.

Evening shoes for women can only be classic shoes with high or low heels.

Meetings without ties

This format of communication between leaders of states appeared a long time ago. Meetings of the so-called "Group of Seven" (now "G8"), the summit of the Asia-Pacific region were held and are held, as a rule, at the end of the working week. It's Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. A feature of such (essentially working) meetings is their informal nature, when in a relaxed, relaxed atmosphere, as a rule, somewhere in a country residence, the leaders of states can discuss in their circle the most acute, burning issues of interstate relations and a wide range of international problems. .

The seeming informality of the talks, however, in no way signifies a superficial approach to the issues under discussion. On the contrary, precisely because the exchange of views is frank and confidential, the preparation of leaders for such conversations is carried out with the utmost thoroughness and thoroughness.

Naturally, in order to enter the informal level of relations, it is necessary that top managers know each other well.

Gorbachev had one of the first such informal meetings in the Stavropol Territory, in Arkhyz, practically in his homeland, with Helmut Kohl. This was back in July 1990.

Then Boris Nikolayevich also maintained unusually good relations with him. Helmut Kohl turned out to be a large-scale politician: being chancellor for 14 years is a lot for a country like Germany. I always warmly remember his wife Khan Lora. She was a pleasant person to talk to, an interesting woman, with good preparation, she adequately represented both Germany and her family at international meetings. There were many meetings with Kohl, both Gorbachev and Yeltsin, both formal and informal.

Yeltsin's very first "no ties" meetings were held with colleagues from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1993, a number of informal meetings took place, among which was, for example, a working visit to Moscow by the President of Ukraine. On the morning of June 17, the plane of the Ukrainian leader landed at Vnukovo airport, from where he was taken by helicopter to the country residence of President Yeltsin. While the prime ministers, who were part of the delegations, were also negotiating informally, the heads of state discussed the problems of bilateral relations during a walk. Then the presidents and prime ministers got together already four and tried to find the keys to settling the existing issues. Subsequently, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense joined the conversation, and the talks were continued over a working breakfast. Such a meeting, in the general opinion, contributed to a significant rapprochement of the positions of the two sides.

Warm, informal relations have been established between the Russian President and Finnish President M. Ahtisaari. This was largely facilitated by the meeting between Yeltsin and Ahtisaari at the Shuiskaya Chupa residence in Karelia in July 1997. The President of Finland arrived in the afternoon, after which Russian-Finnish talks "face to face" began. In the morning - a working breakfast, a boat trip on Lake Onega. Joint fishing, visiting the sauna, lengthy conversations contributed to the establishment of a friendly and frank atmosphere of communication between the leaders of the two countries, and this made it possible to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all aspects of Russian-Finnish cooperation. During the exchange of views, very acute international issues were not ignored. The meeting between M. Ahtisaari and Boris N. Yeltsin yielded concrete results in expanding humanitarian cooperation.

Meetings "without ties" have become a practice of high-level contacts between the President of Russia and the leaders of the G8 countries. An informal dialogue between the Russian leader and the President of France, the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Japan was actively supported. The meeting between B. N. Yeltsin and R. Hashimoto in Krasnoyarsk at the end of 1997 was interesting. Yeltsin invited the Japanese leader to a river trip along the Yenisei, during which they toured the dam and Divnogorsk. Then they fished together. In the evening, communication was continued over dinner, in which a narrow circle of assistants participated from both sides. The next day, Yeltsin and Hashimoto discussed the results of the negotiations between themselves and only after that met with journalists. The return meeting was held in April 1998 in the Japanese city of Kawana.

Such informal meetings by no means eliminate the need for the relevant services to do a lot of preparatory work. So, on the eve, orders are adopted on the procedure for conducting a visit, approximate schemes, programs, etc. are approved. Moreover, the work of the protocol service is greatly complicated. The employees of the protocol department have to gradually regulate the negotiation process, without pushing or slowing it down, but giving the top leaders complete freedom to maneuver, at the right time sending the necessary consultants, cabinet members and experts to them at the right time.

In our press, it was customary to accuse Yeltsin of allegedly switching with the leaders of the G8 countries to address by name: "friend Bill", "friend Ryu". I can definitely say that the Russian side has never shown such an initiative. When we said: "Mr. Clinton," we were offered: "Let's just Bill." After all, they don’t have a first name and patronymic, and the address “Mr. Clinton” and “Mr. President” is too official, and they wanted to get away from it. When Russia joined the leaders of the G7 countries, our president had to accept the rules of the game, move away from formal principles in relations with the heads of other states. In the atmosphere of “no ties” meetings, they all began to move more freely, to express their emotions more freely.

In America, after the meeting between the leaders of the United States and Russia, the correspondents managed to take a very good photo, rear view: Yeltsin and Clinton are sitting and looking into the distance. This photo was placed by many American newspapers. There was an interesting episode at the same meeting. Boris Nikolayevich suddenly said to Clinton for no apparent reason: "You will lose." And Clinton laughed. For about three minutes he defiantly laughed, and no one could understand what was happening to him. Then they continued the conversation, and Clinton lifted his legs high in the American way. Boris Nikolayevich always kept himself very strict during negotiations, starting from clothes and ending with posture. Clinton, this time, not only crossed his legs, but also took hold of the boot with his hands. It wasn't the first time. Boris Nikolaevich suddenly asked: “What, Bill, is he shaking his shoe?” Clinton was transferred. He grinned, lowered his leg, and never again took such a pose at meetings with Yeltsin.

There is more pomposity at the meetings of the G8 countries, evening events and appearance in evening suits are obligatory here. Meetings of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region are held mainly in the summer, in the heat. It is generally customary for them to sew the same shirts for everyone. Another thing is that it is not necessary to wear them at all. At some events, even the "seven" had to wear cowboy boots, a hat. The meeting took place in 1997 in Denver (California), and this is the land of cowboys. It is clear that to some extent this whole entourage is just a game. The guests reacted to this proposal in different ways: some put on boots and a hat, some did not. We didn't dress up as cowboys.

The number of accompanying persons at meetings "without ties" is always limited, usually there are not even foreign ministers. The program does not include any official events, laying wreaths. All the attention of the participants is concentrated only on this circle of communication and on those problems that they set out to discuss.

In my opinion, such meetings really contribute to the improvement of mutual understanding. From 1991 until 2000, I happened to attend all the "sevens", "sevens plus one" and "eights". I can say that such meetings actually provide an opportunity for a frank conversation. The first persons of the states are talking at the negotiating table, and at breakfast, and at dinner.

Now their relationship has become easier, there is no former tension, pomposity. In the course of such meetings, they generally change a lot. They know how and love to joke. They can interrupt the meeting and rush to watch a football match. (As a rule, G8 meetings are held in the summer, when the World Cups are held.)

Now President Vladimir Putin, who has developed special relations with both Schroeder and Blair, is already participating in G8 meetings. They also call each other “friends”, but when they discuss fundamental issues, they take a tough stance and each defends the interests of his country.

The traditional exchange of souvenirs and gifts between the heads of foreign delegations and the leadership of the host country has long been considered an indispensable attribute of world protocol practice.

According to the embassy ritual of ancient Muscovy, guests never arrived empty-handed - as a rule, gifts were unique works of art. Oriental guests won the favor of the Russian tsars with magnificent horse harness and precious weapons, the Europeans amazed the sovereign's imagination with exquisite silver and gold utensils and jewelry.

In the 17th century, Armenian merchants, seeking duty-free trade, presented Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich with a throne adorned with diamonds.

Overseas guests did not leave the Russian sovereign empty-handed. If he was pleased with their gifts, he immediately commanded that sables and expensive fabrics be weighed to the guests according to the weight of their gift.

The king gave gifts not only to foreigners, but also to his subjects. Weapons and fabrics were especially valued in the old days. The sovereign generously presented the Russian patriarchs and metropolitans with gold and silver brocade, silks and velvet. Later, among our gifts began to appear the works of our jewelers, as well as the St. Petersburg porcelain factory, created on the initiative of the great Russian scientist M.V. Lomonosov. But we had to give and something more substantial. For example, in Paris there is the Pont Alexandre III, built back in the 19th century with the active participation of Russia.

In pre-revolutionary Russia, the cameral department of the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty of the Ministry of the Imperial Court, which was in charge of:

Room of the Imperial Regalia and Crown Diamonds in winter palace;

Pantry of precious things and stones and wardrobe of the Highest Persons;

Pantry of stone products delivered from Yekaterinburg and Kolyvan factories.

Some of the gifts received by the Moscow tsars in their time have been preserved in the Armory, the other part of the gifts, dating back to the era of the empire, is stored and exhibited in the State Hermitage.

After 1917, the exchange of memorable gifts was given great state and political importance. This is evidenced by the fact that a specially created "gift commission" was engaged in the selection of souvenirs for foreign visitors. And the responsibility for presenting souvenirs and memorable gifts was assigned to the protocol department of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which performed the functions of the state protocol.

Gift funds existed under the management of the affairs of the Central Committee of the CPSU, the Council of Ministers of the USSR, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in all major ministries and departments.

After the revolution, as you know, a bloody Civil War began, and famine began in a country that was in international isolation. I think that during the beginning of the recognition of Soviet power, foreign ambassadors were unlikely to receive official gifts from the Soviet leadership.

For the first time, gifts were spoken aloud when they were preparing to publicly celebrate the 70th anniversary of I.V. Stalin. In connection with the upcoming event, this issue was even considered at a meeting of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. In accordance with the decision taken at the meeting, an exhibition of gifts to IV Stalin was organized. By January 10, 1950, in its funds, which were located in the premises of the Museum of the Revolution of the USSR, the Museum of V.I. Lenin, the Polytechnic Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts. A. S. Pushkin, the Armory and a number of other museums, there were 127,823 gifts, addresses and letters of thanks. Among the gifts to Stalin were paintings, sculptures, works of wood and bone carvers, and much more. Among them were truly unique products: a carpet, in the manufacture of which more than 18 thousand women of Slovakia participated; passenger cars "Skoda", "Minor", "Alfa Romeo"; a rare vase made of mammoth tusk with more than 100 figures depicted on it (the Chinese master worked on it for more than nine years); a letter from the inhabitants of the city of Delhi, fit on a grain of rice and consisting of 182 characters; weapons made by famous Arab craftsmen. Of these gifts, Stalin did not take anything for himself. He perfectly understood that through them the whole world expressed its attitude towards our people, who just four years ago won a hard victory in the world war. It was a recognition of our role in the defeat of German fascism.

Stalin, as you know, practically did not leave the country anywhere. Khrushchev is another matter. He traveled a lot, but it is difficult for me to say anything definite about what kind of gifts Khrushchev took with him. I guess it's more about souvenirs. Monumental gifts were prepared by us in that era for organizations and enterprises, for fraternal parties. As the congresses of communist and workers' parties were held in other countries, our party leaders went to them. As part of the congresses, meetings were held with the labor collectives of enterprises, rallies. Gifts were chosen to match the events: a sculptural image of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, for someone bigger, for someone smaller. Sometimes it was a picture from the life of Ilyich. Academician Nalbandyan specialized in such works. There were also artists who worked on political orders, such work ensured a comfortable existence, a large number of orders.

Once, when we were preparing for some event held by the French Communist Party, Nalbandian painted the painting "Lenin in the Louvre" on our order. This canvas depicted Lenin at the time when he lived in Paris, examining one of the Louvre masterpieces. At the same time, Nalbandian painted another picture: Lenin in the Tainitsky Garden. On it, Ilyich is depicted in full growth, among flowering cherries and apple trees. This episode could be attributed to the very beginning of the 1920s. And on both canvases he was wearing a tie with polka dots. I take it and ask: what, Lenin had no other tie? The reaction of the master was very violent, and I realized that it was better not to ask such questions anymore.

In that era, many kinds of souvenirs were made for the fraternal parties. When their representatives came to Moscow for our congresses, they gave away souvenirs of the same type. I think they are now stored in the storerooms of the Historical Museum or the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia.

When General Secretaries of the Central Committee of the CPSU and members of the Politburo traveled abroad, a so-called gift group was created to manage the affairs of the Central Committee, which included employees of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When preparing gifts for foreign politicians, their influence in the international arena, support for foreign policy initiatives of the USSR were taken into account. Sometimes the presentation of souvenirs was designed to change the political mood of the country's leadership.

For this purpose, under the guise of souvenirs, airliners, hydrofoils, cars, jewelry, paintings, and crystal products were presented. Foreign leaders were awarded Soviet orders and medals.

Expensive gifts were given, as a rule, to statesmen of the so-called developing countries, since in developed countries there are cost restrictions on accepted gifts, which are strictly monitored by the tax authorities of these countries.

Speaking about international experience in organizing the storage of gifts in the form of artistic, material and documentary values ​​presented to the heads of state during the performance of their duties, one can refer to the practice of some foreign countries.

In the United States, gifts with an official value greater than $250 and given to the president and his wife in the course of performing public duties are accountable and accepted for public safekeeping by the Treasury Department. Their subsequent use (exposition, transfer to a museum, art galleries, etc.) is determined by the White House apparatus in an administrative manner. Among the most valuable gifts and acquisitions, exhibitions can be organized both in the White House and in the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, which is funded from the state budget. Individual items can be used to decorate the interior of the White House and the country residence of the President at Camp David.

Gifts, which are documents, books and manuscripts, at the end of the president's term in office, go to his presidential library, which is maintained at the expense of state funds. The personal presidential libraries are administered by the National Archives of the United States of America. There is no special museum of gifts to US presidents.

In the UK, gifts and valuables presented to the Queen are taken into account and entered into public custody, becoming the property of the nation. Material values ​​​​are stored in the Tower and can be exhibited at various expositions with the consent of the Queen.

Gifts may be reclaimed from the vault and used by the Queen at her discretion during her tenure as Head of State.

The procedure for the receipt of commemorative gifts by senior officials of the UK is governed by the provisions of the Code of Rules and Regulations for the Activities of Members of the Government Cabinet, which was put into effect in July 1997. The document was developed on the personal instructions of Prime Minister E. Blair.

The "Code of Rules" contains a special section "Acceptance of gifts and services", according to which ministers and other senior officials should be guided by generally recognized and fixed in practice principles. This means: refraining from accepting gifts, travel and accommodation services, and other services from anyone if their acceptance imposes any obligations or gives reason to believe that they may arise. This rule also applies to the procedure for accepting gifts and services by family members of senior officials.

Ministers and other high officials are obliged to inform the permanent deputy minister of the relevant department, that is, the person who is the highest official, about all the facts of receiving gifts, regardless of changes in the composition of the government. Gifts with a value not exceeding £140 may be left by the recipient for personal use. Expensive gifts must be handed over to the appropriate department. As a rule, such gifts are donated to all kinds of charitable societies. Exceptions may be in cases where:

The recipient is willing to pay the difference between the actual value of the gift and the permitted value limit of £140;

The recipient expresses a desire, as a reciprocal gesture, to present the giver with a gift of the same value and pay for it from his own funds;

The leadership of the department makes a decision to include the gift in the permanent exhibition of gifts or to use the gift for official needs;

The fact that the recipient of the gift is transferred to the disposal of his department can be regarded by the giving party as a manifestation of disrespect;

The gift can be used by the recipient in the future and its possession is a demonstration of special courtesy towards the giver.

In such cases, the gift may remain in the possession of the department to which the recipient belongs for five years.

The document specifically emphasizes that gifts received during business trips abroad and exceeding in total value the monetary allowance paid in connection with the trip must be declared at customs upon entry into the UK. The decision on the possible taxation of imported gifts is within the competence of the customs authorities. If you wish to leave a gift in your personal possession, the person who imports it pays the customs costs in full.

In France, there is no special set of rules that would regulate the receipt by officials of memorable gifts, including from heads of foreign states and governments. Judging by the explanations received from the protocol services of the Elysee Palace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly, the country's top officials are not limited in receiving gifts through official channels. The official who received the gift has the right to decide how to dispose of it.

Thus, Francois Mitterrand handed over the trotter received from the President of Turkmenistan to the State Stud Farm, and Jacques Chirac returned the gold watch received during the G8 meeting in Denver.

François Mitterrand transferred the gifts he received to a special museum, which was created on his initiative in the city of Château-Chinon in the Nievre department, from which he was elected to the National Assembly at one time.

On the other hand, we can talk about the customs and practices that have developed in the country related to the ethics of public service. It is not customary, for example, for civil servants to accept gifts more expensive than $200-300 (with the minimum wage in the country about a thousand dollars), as well as those that do not belong to the category of souvenirs or items of current use. If it is impossible to avoid accepting a valuable gift, as happens during official visits, it is transferred to the disposal of a higher state administration, which decides on its intended use.

In Soviet protocol practice, until 1985, there were no cost restrictions on souvenirs received by citizens. Soviet leaders accepted cars, paintings, carpets, televisions, audio and video systems as gifts. Yes, JI. I. Brezhnev once received a high-speed American Corvette car as a gift, and this was not the only car donated to our General Secretary.

In the West, of course, they knew about Brezhnev's love for cars. In addition, we have never been trendsetters in the automotive industry. In 1971, in France, after Brezhnev's public speech on the square, he was presented with a wonderful Renault. I saw it with my own eyes, as I was then part of a tourist group on this square, I waved a flag to him.

Among the cars donated to Brezhnev were both a Peugeot and a Cadillac. He really loved cars, loved to steer. He himself got behind the wheel of a ZIL on the way between Zavidovo and Moscow. It happened that small accidents happened, somehow touched a pine tree.

All donated cars were in the Kremlin garage. Brezhnev could not ride them when he wanted: neither time nor health allowed. He also did not give away these cars to his relatives.

Brezhnev, in addition, had a fairly large collection of guns. Probably, he took the shot gun that he especially liked with him to hunt. But, as a rule, all gifts were returned to the Central Committee and handed over to the Gokhran. Although, I will not prevaricate, I know that under Brezhnev, some things were taken from Gokhran, of course, not the worst and at state prices, that is, practically for free.

Gifts were supposed to be given for birthdays to members of the Politburo. It got ridiculous: in the days of Brezhnev, it was customary to give everyone the same gifts, including the Secretary General. At the beginning of the year, they themselves made a decision: this year we will give a “combine”: a TV, a tape recorder and a player. We ordered these "combines" at the Minsk Television Plant. When Gorbachev became general secretary, he abandoned this practice.

When I started working in the protocol service of the Central Committee, I was responsible, among other things, for the pantry where gifts were accumulated. The first thing I did was look at it. There were a lot of things. After all, it is spontaneously impossible to provide some kind of event with gifts. They need to be collected, you need to have a stash. There, for example, there should be guns, products from Gzhel, souvenirs. In case of a trip to a fraternal country, there should be a portrait of Lenin, a bust of Telman, some kind of battle canvas, a panel. All such gifts are ordered in advance and wait in the pantry in the wings.

When perestroika began, we ordered a watch with the inscription on the dial: perestroika. They left with a bang. It was the most expensive gift made at the Moscow Watch Factory. Chistopol supplied us with women's souvenir watches with enamel.

When we were preparing for visits, two or three gifts were made to order for us. But it was supposed to give gifts not only to the head of the delegation, but also to everyone else, this is usually 20-30 people. We also took small souvenirs with us for translators and guards. Badges with our symbols, watches, small knick-knacks, plankettes, pens autographed by Gorbachev, and later by Yeltsin, always went perfectly.

Once a week, artists came to us, brought sketches, we discussed prices with them. Every time we ordered a batch of souvenirs and gifts so that it would not be stale in the pantry. Another thing is that album production could become outdated, so when a new album was released, the old one was collected on expeditions and sent to libraries.

It was necessary to constantly monitor that the pantry was not littered.

In those years, I regularly visited all art exhibitions, exhibitions of applied art, art galleries to look for new authors. After all, when ordering a gift, it was necessary to take into account both who will give it and who it will be given to.

As a rule, it is customary to give expensive gifts during a state visit, which, I repeat, can be organized to this country only once for a given head of state. Having received such a gift, one had to think about what to give in return. But nevertheless, no matter how strange it may seem, it is not at all necessary to answer adequately.

From the stories of people who worked for many years in the Central Committee's gift treasury, I know that there were similar treasuries in both the Supreme Soviet and the Council of Ministers. They worked in parallel. Souvenir and gift items from Zlatoust, Dulev, Mstyora, Palekh, Khokhloma, Gus-Khrustalny, the city of Kasli, the Leningrad Porcelain Factory, Tula hunting weapons and samovars were kept there. There were Vologda laces and Orenburg shawls. All works of art were at that time quite accessible. The best Palekh caskets cost no more than 200-250 rubles.

In preparation for M. S. Gorbachev's first foreign visit as General Secretary, I put out all the gifts and souvenirs that we were going to take with us, from the main gift to what we had prepared for security officers. Particular attention was paid to the main gift. Everything else was souvenirs with our symbols. When choosing gifts, we proceeded from the fact that we do not give the representatives of other states products that, and maybe even better, are made in their country. We did not take porcelain to Japan. If we were already transporting the finest products of the Leningrad Porcelain Factory to some country, we knew for sure that our partners would be able to appreciate our school and our craftsmanship. When Mikhail Sergeevich visited the English queen for the first time, we learned that the royal family collects porcelain. We ordered a wonderful tete-a-tete with our state symbols at the LFZ.

We were constantly looking for souvenirs for the head of state. Naturally, we made inquiries about what his wife was fond of. A gift is a very subtle thing, it is a whole science. This is where newspaper information comes into play. We learned that Ronald Reagan was very fond of horses. When I was in the Oval Office of the White House, I noticed that it was full of images of horses. And we also learned that the American president collects saddles. We found out that the best saddles in our country are made by Kyrgyz masters, and we ordered a saddle from them. It was made of different leathers, lined, trimmed with inlays. They liked the gift very much, and Reagan, as is customary all over the world, wrote a letter of thanks to Gorbachev.

Some heads of state collected stamps, chess. Here it was necessary to show ingenuity: you will not surprise anyone with ordinary chess. But the Soviet brands were very good. We ordered special stockbooks for them.

For other members of the foreign delegation, we ordered all kinds of souvenir sets. For example, a bottle of vodka and a jar of red and black caviar; very beautiful chocolate sets "Kremlin", which was a pleasure to give to the kids in the orphanage, to the women who served us. There were souvenir cognacs in special bottles. Then we had a wide choice, it could be Moldovan, and Armenian, and Georgian cognacs, with glasses or without glasses.

We didn’t take Red Moscow perfume to Paris, but when we went to Cuba or any Latin American country, it was one of the best gifts for women.

It was important to take into account even in which country which color is preferred. For example, there was nothing to go to Germany with Gzhel, since they also have traditional white and blue dishes. Such questions were studied in detail, since it was impossible to get into a mess with gifts. We had two or three employees who specialized in such delicate work for many years. One of them, the main one, was Alexander Marshalov, a well-educated man, an intellectual, a good draftsman. He had an art school and the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​behind him.

The pantry was gradually replenished. Already well-known and emerging artists worked on our orders. We commissioned a landscape for Margaret Thatcher to the young Alexander Shilov. Small things were done for us by sculptors, for example, the young Viktor Sonin, the author of the grave monument to Yu. V. Andropov on Red Square. The circle of artists involved by us was wide. We made sure to let them know to whom their work was donated.

We worked on souvenirs with specific enterprises, we had a plan for the year ahead. In addition, there was the most severe control over the execution, and I knew that if I made such an order, such products would not appear anywhere else. Now everything is possible.

Souvenir products are constantly updated. We kept strict records, in a special book it was recorded who was given what when, so as not to be repeated. Now such accounting is carried out using a computer.

We have only recently begun to use our symbols more boldly. Previously, it was impossible to simply come to the store and buy the flag of the Soviet Union. For some reason, it was assumed in advance that the person buying this flag was pursuing unseemly goals. In America, you can buy an American flag in any store, almost every family has it, and on national holidays, Americans hang it on the balcony, on the roof, on the flagpole.

Recently, we began to order souvenir badges with two flags, Russian and the country with which the summit is held.

At home, when preparing a gift for a member of the Politburo, we showed it to an assistant, who knew the tastes of his boss well, and consulted with him. At that time, there were spending restrictions: conditionally, 1000 rubles could be spent on a gift for the general, 800 rubles each for members of the Politburo.

At one of the Moscow factories there was a shop specializing in the packaging of gifts and souvenirs. Today, this can be done in any store, before such services were not available. Before packing, we carefully examined each product, if we came across defective products, we exchanged them. Khokhloma was especially troublesome: wood is a capricious material, it can crack at any moment.

Each gift was examined several times. Once on a crystal dish, which we planned to donate, upon arrival at the place, we found a crack. Fortunately, I had something in reserve, and the disaster did not happen.

On a foreign visit, we took with us ready-made inscribed envelopes with cards. We and the French were famous for their excellent calligraphers. Each gift must include a business card from the president. The French inscribed it by hand, in script. Now it is done on the computer. The group responsible for gifts and souvenirs takes a computer, a printer with them and prints everything on the spot.

During Gorbachev's time, all gifts more expensive than $500: brooches, watches, caskets - were handed over to the Gokhran. Some of these gifts were exhibited at the Museum of the Revolution (now the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia). In total, about two to three thousand items were handed over.

Today they write about the bribe that Gorbachev allegedly received in South Korea along with the box handed over to him. This is confirmed by Mr. Boldin, because the money in question, for some reason, ended up in his safe. This story seems unbelievable to me. With my own hands, I handed the neatly packed box to Mikhail Sergeevich, and he, apparently, to someone else. I don’t understand much in this story, especially the main thing: what kind of support for the Soviet Union could South Korea achieve in this way?

Even now they say that Gorbachev was allegedly overstated by the Nobel Prize, in the form of a hidden bribe, or something. But after all, it was not he who flew for the award, but when the money was brought to him, the bulk of this amount was sent to children's institutions in my presence. Gifts worth less than $500 were given to orphanages and enterprises.

Yeltsin was bombarded with rackets at one time, but they also gave him guns, knowing his love for hunting. Excellent hunting rifles are made by Americans and Czechs. Donated, of course, by those who produce them. By the way, our weapons from the Tula and Izhevsk arms factories are also excellent. In Tula, as a rule, they made hunting rifles with a unique inlay of the gun itself and the butt.

Boris Nikolayevich then distributed donated rackets to children's sports schools, to friends who went in for sports. He had two or three favorites of them, but rackets break quickly, they often have to be changed.

Yeltsin handed over sculptures, paintings, books to the presidential library in the Kremlin, which stores rare books presented to him at one time and official gifts made during meetings with foreign leaders, as well as with the heads of state - members of the CIS.

Presentation of souvenirs sometimes causes a lot of problems for the receiving party, especially this applies to the so-called spontaneous gifts, when, without warning the protocol service of the guest, a foreign visitor suddenly decides to personally hand over a memorable gift to the president. Such actions of foreign guests confuse the security service, which does not have time to check the contents of the gift. This happened, for example, when some Arab leaders personally presented swords made of Damascus steel to the Soviet leadership.

In international practice, it is customary to discuss the issue of presenting memorable souvenirs and gifts at negotiations with the preparatory group. Usually, the protocol services of both sides agree on the simultaneous transfer of souvenirs. Souvenirs of the host are delivered to the guest's residence and handed over to the representative of the protocol service of the foreign delegation. The guest protocol service, in turn, delivers souvenirs to the expedition of the presidential protocol department.

When choosing gifts, it is customary to take into account the national traditions of the country that the guest represents, his age, state of health, hobbies and much more.

Gift wrapping should not be too flashy, aesthetic and neat. As a rule, they are wrapped in thick paper in neutral tones and tied with colored ribbons. In some cases, the colors of the ribbons coincide with the colors of the national flag of the country giving the souvenirs.

A well-chosen gift sometimes becomes an important element in the implementation of international contacts at the highest level. For example, after Yeltsin presented the American president with candlesticks that successfully fit into the interior of the White House, Clinton sent him a letter of thanks. The American president was greatly pleased by the Gzhel porcelain figurine presented to him by Yeltsin, depicting Clinton with a saxophone.

As I said, in the US, a high-level government official is not allowed to take a gift that costs more than $250 (at one time it was $150). It is even customary to publish lists of gifts given to the president there. It is clear that it is difficult to determine the value of these gifts, especially since even the protocol service through which they pass does not see them at all: after all, all gifts are handed over wrapped, and sometimes at a personal meeting. It happened that we handed over the silver items received as a gift to the Gokhran, and they were returned to us: it turned out that the things were not silver and were of no value to the Gokhran. By the way, some of our gifts, the same Kyrgyz saddle, I did not see in the American lists.

Of the successful gifts, one can also name the samovar presented to the Queen of England by Tula craftsmen; Jacques Chirac, who speaks Russian, was once presented with the complete works of Pushkin; Hashimoto's photography lover - an album of photographs dedicated to the restoration of the Kremlin.

Serious miscalculations in the protocol service of the head of state are sometimes associated with gifts. In Denver, for example, all G8 heads of state were presented with a Rolex with diamonds worth either 50 or 60 thousand dollars. It was not a gift from the President of the United States, but from a manufacturer. Almost all the heads of the G8, without saying a word, gave the watch back, including the Russian and American presidents.

It is exciting and very responsible to accept foreign partners. Especially if they are coming on an official visit. In order not to lose face, you should carefully prepare for the solemn event.

The protocol rules seem a bit old-fashioned at the moment. But not observing them is as foolish as not taking off your hat when entering a church or shoes when entering a mosque. In fact, not everything is so meaningless in these solemn trifles ...

FFrench diplomat Jules Cambon

It is necessary to draw up a program for the stay of foreign guests and organize a reception for them on the basis of generally accepted protocol practice. The business protocol establishes the norms and rules of conduct, helps to clarify the relationship between the parties, which means that it is faster to reach an agreement on all issues. Improper seating of guests, violation of the order of negotiations can ruin relations between business partners. To avoid this, try to take into account all the nuances.

TYPES OF VISITS

First, determine what type of visit is planned. According to the degree of solemnity of the reception, they traditionally distinguish:

• official visits;
• working visits;
• private visits.

In addition, state visits (visits of heads of state) and transit visits are distinguished.

Let's take a closer look at the official and working visits.

Official visit is distinguished by its special significance and solemnity. It includes a large number of ceremonies and events. During an official visit, issues of long-term cooperation are usually resolved, the main areas of joint work on important promising projects are determined.

Working visit implies that guests arrive with specific business goals: to hold negotiations, consultations, work meetings, sign contracts and agreements. Unlike an official visit, a working visit does not take much time and all events within its framework are carried out with a more modest protocol.

PREPARATION FOR THE VISIT

The visit of a foreign delegation is agreed by the parties in advance so that there is enough time for preparation. In especially solemn and responsible cases, representatives of a foreign company arrive in the country in advance to take part in the preparation of the reception, check the condition of all objects and places of visit, and evaluate the conditions of accommodation and service.

The parties should discuss:

• the exact dates of the visit;
• number and composition of delegations;
• the procedure for entering the country (border, customs control);
• visit program;
• organizational and financial issues (payment for hotels, meals, transport, etc.).

It is necessary to determine all items of expenditure, draw up a preliminary estimate of admission, include contingencies in it and agree with management.
Important! Make sure that the arrival and departure of the foreign delegation does not fall on weekends or holidays. Otherwise, it will not be easy to provide the necessary level of solemnity.

Entry documents

Before the visit of representatives of a foreign state, it is necessary to quickly and legally competently resolve a number of issues: take care of the preparation of entry documents, take into account the peculiarities of border and customs control, migration registration. In some cases, guests may need an official invitation or assistance in issuing an entry visa.

Visit program

There are usually two programs:

• general - for guests;
• detailed (working) - for the organizers of the reception.

If the visit is official, the general program may include a program for the spouses of the delegation members. The general program is a daily and hourly schedule of events for foreign partners. At the beginning of the visit, the organizers present the guests with a general program in Russian and in the native language of the guests. It includes:

• meeting of the delegation;
• the business part of the program (negotiations, working meetings, conversations);
• receptions (breakfasts, lunches, etc.);
• cultural program;
• seeing off the delegation. A detailed program describes the organizational aspects associated with the reception:
• border and customs control;
• the composition of those meeting and seeing off;
• participation of representatives of the press, radio, television (if necessary);
• delivery of flowers;
• baggage delivery;
• transport for guests;
• seating for cars;
• traffic police escort (if necessary);
• accommodation in a hotel or residence;
• nutrition;
• the work of translators;
• order of speaking at negotiations, etc.

After the final elaboration of the visit program, it must be supplemented with reference and explanatory materials - to draw up plans for meeting and seeing off the delegation, all official protocol events, accommodation of guests with addresses, telephone numbers and numbers of cars assigned to them

For each item of the program, the name of the responsible person with contact details must be indicated.

Composition of those meeting

It is necessary to determine the composition of persons meeting foreign partners according to the following rules:

• Together with the head of the host delegation, guests are met by 2-3 representatives of the company. These can be heads of individual services, specialists, as well as a translator,
• The ranks and positions of the heads of both delegations must correspond to each other, i.e. if the head of a foreign company arrives, then he must be met by the head of the host company,
• If the head of a foreign delegation arrives with his wife, he is met by the head of the host delegation also with his wife.

Official Visit: Delegate Spouse Program

If the head of the delegation arrives with his wife, the organizers of the visit can draw up a separate program for her, by analogy with the program for the spouse, or provide for events in the general program - plan visits to museums, exhibitions, monuments of culture and art, as well as schools, orphanages, boarding schools ( at the request of the guest).
In addition, the program for the female part of the delegation may include an official tea party in honor of the guests.

MEETING GUESTS: AT THE AIRPORT, AT THE STATION, AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CITY

Host representatives usually arrive at the meeting point in advance and wait for the guests to arrive. When they meet, men give flowers to ladies, completely wrapped in cellophane, so that the pollen does not stain clothes and does not cause allergies.

At some airports, you can arrange for a car to be delivered directly to the aircraft ramp.

The meeting takes place at the gangway of the plane (near the train car):

• A cortege of cars and buses for the delegation is lined up at the airport building (station);
• At the airport (train station) the flags of the country of the guests, the Russian Federation and Moscow or the region where the delegation arrives are raised;
• Carpet paths are laid out at the aircraft ladder and in front of the entrance to the VIP-hall of the airport (or before leaving the train car). The greeters line up at the beginning of the red carpet in accordance with protocol seniority.

The orchestra will emphasize the solemnity of the moment when meeting foreign guests.

When an official delegation arrives in Moscow or another region by road, the meeting takes place at the entrance to the city. An official protocol event is not provided. At the meeting, a brief conversation of a protocol nature is possible, which the parties agree on in advance. In addition, an official visit is usually accompanied by protocol photography.

Flags

Several flags are hoisted simultaneously on separate flagpoles in alphabetical order by country name. The ratio of the sizes of the flagpole and the flag is 1:6.
The status of the flags is determined in the following order (highest to lowest):

• flags of international organizations;
• state flags;
• flags of federal executive authorities of the Russian Federation;
• flags of subjects of the Russian Federation;
• flags of municipalities;
• flags of organizations, enterprises, associations;
• other flags (including not officially approved and decorative ones).

Given the status of the flags, the following rules must be observed:

• panels of flags of the same status must be of the same size;
• the highest status flags must not be less than the lowest status flags;
• lower status flags do not raise higher status flags;
• flags should not touch the ground or floor.

The flag of the official delegation of any state takes pride of place relative to the flag of the Russian Federation.
With an odd number of flags, the State Flag of the Russian Federation is located in the center, it is raised on a higher flagpole, the rest of the flags - depending on their status:

• the second position is to the left of the State flag;
• the third is to his right;
• fourth - to the left of the second position;
• the fifth is to the right of the third, and so on.

With an even number of flags (more than two), the State Flag of the Russian Federation is placed to the left of the center, the remaining flags - depending on their status:

• the second position is to the right of the center;
• the third - to the left of the State flag;
• the fourth is to the right of the second position, and so on.

The national flag and the flag in second position are hoisted on higher flagpoles.
With a large number of equivalent flags, they are placed in alphabetical order.
Flags on the walls and negotiating tables are installed by analogy with flags on flagpoles. Wherein:

• The flag on the wall is hung in expanded form with a panel to the right of the back of the person sitting at the table.
• The flag on the table is placed on a special stand on the right hand of the seated person.
• Flags on stands must be at the same height and the same size.

Welcome and introduction

The order of acquaintance of delegations includes a greeting, a handshake and an introduction.

• The first to greet everyone and introduce himself is the head of the host delegation. If his wife came with him, then he also represents her;
• The head of the arriving delegation introduces himself next and introduces his wife;
• The head of the host delegation introduces the persons accompanying him - members of the delegation who came to meet the guests by rank (in descending order);
• The head of the arriving delegation introduces the members of his delegation in the same way.

If there are women among those who meet them, then they are presented by rank and in the first place.

During the performance, men, as a rule, shake hands, women do it at the mutual request.

• When shaking hands, the woman is the first to shake hands with the man. The same priority is enjoyed by older people in relation to the young and the leaders of the delegation in relation to the rest of its members.
• Extend your right hand for a handshake. An exception is not made even for lefties.
• Extending several fingers or fingertips instead of a hand is tactless.
• A man, when shaking hands, removes a glove from his right hand. For women, this rule applies only when they greet each other. If one of the women took off her glove to shake hands, then the other follows her example.
• If a woman or a senior in position (age) does not offer a hand, you should bow slightly.

A warm welcome is the basis for a friendly atmosphere in the process of work, so the head of the company must meet and greet foreign guests at a gala reception. The rest of the time guests can be handled by other employees.

During an official visit, the order of greetings and introductions is the same.

Appeal

From the first minutes of your visit, observe the rules of etiquette when addressing arriving guests. The forms of address adopted in many countries are quite complex, determined by national traditions and cultural characteristics.

• It is customary to address a citizen of another country as "Mr" and call him by his last name, for example, "Mr. Johnson".
• Men with state status, military rank, diplomatic rank, academic degree, in most countries are addressed without mentioning the name and surname: “Mr. President”, “Mr. Colonel”, “Mr. Secretary”. The exception is Germany, where in such a case the surname is still attached: "Mr. Dr. Wolf".
• Women should be addressed by their husband's last name. With complex and difficult to pronounce names, you can resort to the international form "madame".
• The appeal "sir" can be used in relation to older people, to those who occupy a higher position, as well as to well-known, high-ranking persons in order to avoid frequent repetition of their official titles and ranks.

WAY TO THE HOTEL

Guests must be provided with transportation so that they can move freely during the visit. In addition, you need to help them arrange, receive and deliver luggage from the airport or train station to the hotel.

Official visit: by cars!

After the welcoming ceremony, the head of the host delegation accompanies the guests in a car in accordance with the program of the visit. If the head of a foreign delegation arrives with his wife, she is accompanied in a separate car by the wife of the head of the host delegation.

• By car, the heads of the foreign delegation set the flags of the guest's home country, the Russian Federation and Moscow or another region where the delegation arrived.
• When landing, the car stops with the right side to the sidewalk. If it is impossible to submit it in this way, the passenger who takes the seat of honor uses the left door.
• When disembarking, the car drives up so that guests exit through the right door. The most honored guest comes out first, followed by all the others.
• Before embarking and disembarking, guests must open the door and then close it behind them. This duty is performed by the driver, translator or one of the accompanying persons.

The luggage of guests is handled by a special employee.

When accompanying foreign delegates to the hotel, you should not leave them at the entrance - this is impolite, guests may have problems during check-in. But they should not be escorted to their rooms - they may perceive it as an obligation to invite you for a cup of tea or coffee. It is best to say goodbye to guests in the hotel lobby, having agreed on a meeting time.

Seating in cars

The first place of honor is in the back seat on the right in the direction of the car. The most honored guest sits on it, and next to him on the left side is the second-ranked guest. An interpreter sits next to the driver.

If a private car is used as a vehicle, and the head of the host company acts as a driver, then the seat of honor for the guest will be next to the driver. This place is considered honorable and during a city tour as the most convenient place for viewing.

GUEST ACCOMMODATION

Members of foreign delegations can be accommodated in a guest residence or hotel, this must be agreed in advance with the arriving party.

The main criteria for choosing hotels:

• license and high classification level (4-5 "stars");
• impeccable reputation;
• rich experience in holding protocol events;
• certificate for all services (production and sale of own products, drinks, etc.);
• professionally trained and tested personnel of the highest qualification. Cooks, waiters, head waiters and other employees must have documents confirming their qualifications and medical books with a “permit” to work (marks on verification, analyzes, etc.);
• comfortable and beautiful meeting rooms, including closed (confidential) ones;
• places for press conferences and meetings with journalists, the public, etc.;
• transport service for guests and invitees;
• convenient car parking;
• additional services: laundry, ironing, dry cleaning, hairdresser, fitness center, sauna, etc.;
• own medical care - first aid and medical specialists (ambulance);
• air and railway ticket offices, places of sale of theater and concert tickets, tickets for exhibitions, excursions.
• technical equipment of the halls:
  - bright lighting;
  – sound amplification system;
  – sound recording and video recording system;
  – simultaneous translation system (in 3–5 languages);
  - the possibility of relaying protocol events for the press from restaurant halls and representative premises in the halls and lobbies of the hotel;
  – ventilation and air conditioning system;
  – a system for storing valuables;
  - elevators for lifting and accompanying official guests (including separate emergency elevators).

It is necessary to agree with the administration of the hotel where distinguished guests will be accommodated regarding means of communication, the Internet, computer services, reproduction of documents, accommodation and meals for accompanying persons and drivers (if necessary), parking for special vehicles.

Official visit: accommodation of guests

• Above the residence or hotel building, where the head of the foreign delegation will live, the flag of the country he represents can be raised.
• The director of the hotel meets the guest of honor at the entrance and accompanies him to the room, while the elevator lingers on the first floor in advance.
• An employee of the floor service of the hotel meets the guest of honor on the corresponding floor, welcomes and shows the direction of movement along the corridor to the room. The room must be opened in advance, and all lighting is turned on, flowers, fruits, drinks are displayed, curtains and curtains on the windows are open.
• The director of the hotel or his deputy briefly explains to the guest what sights can be seen from his room, answers possible questions.

Personal questions, requests and suggestions to the distinguished guest are prohibited.

Representatives of the host country who accompany the guests of honor according to the program of the visit need to know the basic norms and rules of the protocol, to show sincere respect, cordiality, attention and hospitality to the guests of honor.

NEGOTIATION

How to prepare for negotiations:

• Determine the time allotted for negotiations;
• Coordinate with guests in advance the issues of press participation, audio and video recording, simultaneous translation during negotiations, the use of special communications, the Internet, computer services, and reproduction of documents.
• At the seating area of ​​each guest, put a cover card with his name and position. As a rule, on the front side of the card there is an inscription in the language of the host country or in English (sometimes transcription is given in brackets), and on the back side there is an inscription in the guests' native language.
• On the table for each participant, prepare the necessary stationery (notebooks, pens), a bottle of water (it is not customary to put water with gas), a glass.

Among the staff of the protocol service there are disputes whether it is necessary to put a napkin under a glass. A common opinion has not yet been found, so at different events you can find both options, and sometimes the third one - a napkin covers a glass. Bottles are placed in groups along the length of the table.

In addition, flowers in low vases can be placed on the tables. Depending on the shape of the table, they are located in the center or along its edges.

If the negotiations last for a long time, you can serve refreshments during the break: tea, coffee, sandwiches, fruits.

During negotiations or at a subsequent reception, it is customary to exchange business cards.

Official visit: negotiation process

• Small flags of the guests' country, the Russian Federation, Moscow or the region where the delegation arrived are set on the negotiating table. Large flags may be placed behind heads of delegations.
• At the entrance, the delegation is met by a representative of the host country. He escorts the guests to the premises where the negotiations will take place. At the beginning of the meeting, an exchange of greetings takes place.
• Before the start of negotiations, the heads of delegations must introduce their participants. Then everything goes according to the agenda.
• If the parties plan to sign documents in a solemn atmosphere, they determine the host and two assistants for the ceremony.
• When there are breaks in the negotiation process, refreshments are prepared for guests in a separate room. If this is not possible, the dishes are brought into the room where the negotiations are being held. Treats are placed personally only in front of the heads of delegations. The rest take care of themselves.
• At the end of the event, as a rule, an exchange of memorable souvenirs is provided.
• After the talks, a press conference is held. It usually lasts from 20 minutes to 1 hour. If a press conference is not held, the negotiators can answer a few questions from journalists. This should not take more than 15 minutes.

Seating at the negotiating table

The participants in the negotiations must be seated in accordance with generally accepted rules, taking into account their ranks and official position. The receiving party develops and coordinates in advance with the arriving party the seating scheme for the participants of meetings and conversations at the negotiating table according to the protocol seniority.
As a rule, the heads of delegations are located in the center of the table opposite each other, and then the rest of the delegation members by rank.

If three or more parties participate in the negotiations, then they are seated alphabetically clockwise around a round or rectangular table.
If these are negotiations between two persons, then they sit opposite each other, on the left side of each is an interpreter. At some events, the interpreter sits slightly behind. The host usually sits with their back to the window and facing the entrance.

THE CULTURAL PROGRAM

During the visit, guests can be invited to visit theaters, museums, organize excursions or walks around the city for them. Their duration depends on the interests, age and state of health of the members of the delegation.
In the case of an official visit of the highest level, flowers are laid.

Official visit: visit to the theater

• In the theater, together with the distinguished guest, the head of the host delegation is in the box.
• On both sides of the box, the state flags of the Russian Federation and the country of the guests are hung out. Before the start of the performance, the national anthems of the guest country and the Russian Federation are played.
• In the box, programs and librettos printed in Russian and the language of the guests' country are laid out in advance.
• All members of the delegation are seated in accordance with protocol seniority.
• During the intermission, refreshments (champagne, fruit) are provided.
• At the end of the performance, flower baskets are brought onto the stage on behalf of the guests and the host. And also there may be a meeting with leading artists or directors.

BUSINESS RECEPTIONS

Reception on behalf of the management of the host company in honor of foreign guests is an obligatory part of the visit program. Business receptions play a big role, as they continue the same discussions as at the negotiating table, only in a more relaxed and relaxed atmosphere. Therefore, the organization of receptions, demeanor and forms of communication should be given close attention to them and do not forget about the rules of business etiquette.

According to international practice, receptions are divided into daytime and evening receptions, as well as receptions with seating at the table and without it. Daytime receptions are considered to be less solemn than evening ones.

Daily appointments:

• "a glass of champagne" ("a glass of wine");
• breakfast.

Evening receptions:

• buffet;
• cocktail;
• lunch (lunch-buffet);
• dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are held with a strict seating arrangement. When organizing "lunch-buffet" or "tea" receptions, seating is quite free, although tables are usually served in advance.

invitations

Invitations to receptions are sent out no later than 1-2 weeks before the reception. They must be printed in a typographical way on forms or cards in Russian and the national language of the guests.

For receptions on the occasion of a national holiday or in honor of a statesman or delegation, special forms are ordered.
Depending on the specific circumstances, invitations are sent by courier or mail. Invitations to officials and prominent figures are always recommended to be sent by courier.

PRESENTATION OF MEMORABLE GIFTS AND SEEING OFF

Commemorative gifts should correspond to the occupation, interests and style of the person to whom they are intended. When choosing a gift, it is important to take into account the national traditions of the country that the guest represents, his age, and hobbies.

It is better to find out in advance what exactly interests a particular person (he collects rare stamps or edged weapons), what his views and beliefs are. For example, V.V. Putin once received a spinning set for fishing as a gift from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

If the guest is a supporter of Greenpeace, you should not be original and give him a live bear cub.

The religion of the representatives of the foreign delegation must also be taken into account. For example, such a gift as an icon would be extremely inappropriate for guests from a Muslim country.

In 2013 V.V. Putin, who was on a visit to the Vatican, presented the Pope with an icon of the Mother of God and received a majolica depicting the Vatican Gardens as a gift.

When they met in June 2015, the Pope presented V.V. Putin received a medal depicting an angel of peace and justice, and the Russian president presented the clergyman with a panel depicting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and several volumes of the Orthodox Encyclopedia.
You can make a gift with a national flavor to foreign partners: a tea set made by Gzhel masters or Khokhloma painting. Works of art are a frequent present.

Gift wrapping is very important. It should not be too catchy, beautiful and neat. As a rule, gifts are wrapped in thick paper in neutral tones and tied with colored ribbons. In some cases, the colors of the ribbons coincide with the colors of the national flag of the country where the visit takes place, or with the corporate colors of the host company.

Repetition of gifts should be avoided. This is considered a serious breach of etiquette.

Official visit: memorable gifts

During official visits, the protocol services of both sides agree in advance on the simultaneous transfer of memorable souvenirs.

According to the protocol, a woman can be given a box of chocolates, a book, a bouquet of flowers, chocolate, and a man - a branded pen or tie. However, these rules are sometimes broken. Often, as a gift, guests are presented with weapons: a sword, a saber, or even a machine gun.

In addition, they donate musical instruments (especially rare or national ones), handmade items, watches (wrist watches or wall clocks), rare items (typewriter, Soviet periodicals of a specific period, etc.)

As for return gifts, it is worth warning guests that, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, government officials can accept memorable souvenirs, the cost of which does not exceed three thousand rubles.

When making a personal gift to an official, you need to make sure that the recipient can keep it for himself. For example, most of the gifts received by the President of the Russian Federation are sent to the Presidential Library. According to the established procedure, all gifts made to the first person of the state are the property of the state. According to the law, the president can only take a gift for himself, the value of which does not exceed the amount of five minimum monthly wages (minimum wages).

The order of seeing off a foreign delegation corresponds to the order of its meeting. If the visit is official, then the flags of the country of the guests, the Russian Federation and Moscow or the region where the meeting took place, are raised at the airport (train station). A small buffet can be arranged.

When guests leave by car, the head of the host delegation must accompany them in their car to the city limits (regional borders).

You can make some minor changes in the order of the wires only at the request of the guests.

Tatyana Baranova– at various times held the positions of personal and business assistant, administrative director, chief of staff, head of the family office and others. Administrative experience - more than 9 years. She worked in the structure of Gazprom, took part in the preparation of the presidential election campaign, worked under the supervision of a businessman from the top five Forbes.

In addition to her basic translation education, she received a Harzburg diploma from the Academy of Economics and Management, and completed advanced training in the field of international business protocol and etiquette (MGIMO).

What each student will receive:

Practical knowledge and skills in business protocol and etiquette,
Certificate confirming the intensive course at the School of Personal Assistants,
Lecture presentations: review study materials at any convenient time and refresh your knowledge.

Cost of education:14 000 rubles

Coming to St. Petersburg, people hope to have a good time here. For the most part, many succeed. It is simply impossible not to fall in love with this place. It has beautiful architecture, pleasant weather and many attractions. There really is something to see here.

Some tourists come here for recreation, while others for work. Whatever the purpose of the trip, each person will be able to take something interesting from this place with them.

People arrive at the airport from all over the world. And each of them has their own desires and needs. But they all hope for a warm welcome, help and welcome. And all this is possible for them to provide.

When a foreign delegation arrives in this city, first of all they should be met by people who know their language well. On the site https://MBPrestige.ru/ you can order such services. Also here is interesting information on this topic. Basically, the services consist of the following list:

• meeting with guests;
• providing a translation;
• their transfer to the hotel;
• assistance in case of disputes;
• as well as entertaining guests and guaranteeing them an interesting pastime.

In general, many people today are fluent in English and other languages ​​and are able to provide assistance to guests. In principle, in order to meet foreigners, most often, only a good knowledge of English will be enough. But, if people do not know it, then knowledge of additional languages ​​will also be needed.

It is best to use the services in advance. In this case, you can be sure that the guests will find an escort and get to the hotel without any problems. If everything is postponed until the last moment, then it is quite possible that many unforeseen situations will arise.

Also, in order to avoid any troubles, it is best to meet guests with a sign. The name of the company or some designations understandable to foreigners should be written on it. Today, it is thanks to people with signs that many people easily find the information they need and get to the right place.

Today we are going to look at one of the most important topics. business English, namely, approximate dialogues that you may have with a partner whom you need to meet at the airport and bring to the office.

At the airport - at the airport

Excuse me, are you Mr Black? (Excuse me, are you Mr. Black?)

I am Ivan Petrov from TST Systems. (I'm Ivan Petrov from TST Systems)

Have I kept you waiting? (Did I keep you waiting?)

Oh no. The plane has just arrived. Thank you for coming to meet me. (Oh no. The plane just arrived. Thank you for coming to meet me.)

You are welcome. Did you have a good flight? (Not at all. Did the flight go well?)

Yes, thank you. I was a bit airsick, but now I'm okay. (Yes, thank you. I was a little sick, but now everything is in order.)

My car is just outside the airport. My driver will take your suitcase. (My car is waiting for you. The driver will help you carry the semodan.)

In the car - In the car

We are going to our office in the city centre. It will take us about half an hour to get there. Mr Potelov is waiting for you. (We are heading to our office, which is located in the city center. It will take us about half an hour to get there. Mr. Potelov is waiting for you).

Please remind me who Mr Potelov is. (Remind me, please, who Mr. Potelov is.)

He's our CEO. He is going to discuss with you the details of our future agreement. (This is the director of our company. He is going to discuss some details of our future agreement with you.)

Instruction

Find out the flight number and arrival time. Specify this information up to the departure of the passenger, as the flight may be delayed, and then you will have to spend several hours at the airport in vain. The ideal option is a message from the plane just before takeoff. Knowing the approximate travel time, you will always be able to calculate what time you need to arrive at the airport.

Add at least half an hour to your arrival time. Passengers will exit the aircraft, pass passport control, receive luggage. Such a margin is required in order, again, not to waste extra time waiting.

Upon arrival at the airport, go to the arrivals hall. all metal frames, follow the screens with information about the arrival of flights. Match the desired flight number and arrival time with the exit number and go to it. It is from there that the passenger you are expecting will leave. Of course, it is possible to transfer the flight to another exit, so periodically check the information on the scoreboard. Many airports have only one aisle for arriving passengers, in which case you will have to be on the lookout not to miss your friend in the crowd.

If you arrive to meet a passenger by car, leave it in the parking lot near the departure halls, not the arrival halls. Near the latter, there is always a huge queue of cars meeting, and you will lose a lot of time just to leave from there. Having met the passenger, go to the exit in the departure hall and calmly leave the territory of the airport without standing in line.

Expecting to take a taxi after the meeting, it is better to go to the departure halls as well. You can save a considerable amount, as there are usually cars there that brought passengers and do not want to go to the city empty. Therefore, drivers will agree to reduce the price by up to two times.

Treat your newly returned friend. The meeting itself will already bring a lot of pleasure, but it can be multiplied many times over. If you meet a girl, be sure to buy a bouquet of flowers. It is better to do this in advance, as prices at the airport will be many times higher. When meeting a couple or company, make something like a sign or poster by writing their names or surnames. Of course, you can always add creativity and cheer up friends who are tired after the flight.

Helpful advice

If there are a lot of people in the passenger waiting room, feel free to head to the departure hall. It will be much freer there, and you will easily find a chair for yourself.

In our crazy life, there is less and less time to meet family and friends. These rare meetings need to be organized in such a way that they are positive.

Instruction

If they come from afar, then they are needed if there is a need for it. You need to think about where you place them. Plan your day to make time for meetings. Warn other acquaintances (colleagues, relatives) so that you are not disturbed once again.

Find out if friends have business in your city. Otherwise, there may be an overlay of your and their plans. This can lead to unnecessary resentment. If possible, coordinate the program of your friends' stay in advance.

If guests have come to you for a long time, be prepared to adjust your lifestyle. Be patient and try not to show your annoyance to your friends. Each person has their own habits. Even if they cause you inconvenience, remember that they are your friends and you can sacrifice something for the sake of friendship.

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Long months have passed since you last saw him, and your only connection was long letters filled with love, expectation and longing for each other. And now he returns, proud, handsome, in uniform ... How to meet him so that this day will be remembered by both of you for a long time?

Instruction

Prepare in advance by choosing the most beautiful and feminine dress. Guys are very homesick for watching people in trousers every day, so make him doubly pleased: in addition to seeing you, you will look like a real woman, tender and desirable.

Together with relatives and friends, go to meet your loved one at the station. It is important that with joyful cries, hugs and your loving eyes, then his heart will calm down, he will understand that they were waiting for him, loved and were faithful.

After the meeting, as a rule, everyone goes home in a cheerful company, where a table has been prepared in advance, a variety of treats and drinks. You must be present at this event, as it can proudly and gladly consider you now a member of its. Moreover, be sure that at the table he will say a few words to you, and who knows, maybe this will be an offer?

After a family feast, when parents have admired their son enough, go for a walk with your loved one. The time has come when you need to redo to some extent. You haven't seen each other for a long time, and in those months everything has changed. Walk through the memorable places in the city, look into the park. At this time, tell each other everything that you so wanted to say before, but it was not possible.

After the walk, it was time for a romantic dinner for two. It is most correct if this meeting takes place at home, if there is no one there, or in a booked hotel room. Prepare the place in advance, set the table with a light snack and wine. Romantic music that accompanies your leisurely conversations, and subdued light - all this will create a unique atmosphere for two lovers.

When you enter the room, try to put aside all plans, surrender to spontaneity and feeling. Everything that happens next, behind closed doors, is only your story, the end of which you do not know. Be as gentle as possible with your man, do not raise important issues, but simply admire each other, dance and love. This is your night. The one you've been waiting for.

Service time has flown by, and you are already looking forward to meeting your loved one. You are overwhelmed with joy, and at the same time there is excitement about the upcoming meeting. It is doubly difficult for your young man, since he was far from relatives, friends and from you, his beloved girl, for a long time. It is at the first meeting that you need to show all your love and loyalty, as well as help him adapt to the "new" life in civilian life.

Instruction

Try to meet yours at the station. The first minutes of meeting after a long separation are of great importance for both of you. They will forever remain in your memory. The first is always very emotional: you are overwhelmed with emotions, your heart is ready to burst out of your chest. At this moment, he will only think that his beloved was waiting for him. Now you are for him not just a beloved girl who wrote letters to, but practically a bride, for whom he will be ready for anything. If you want to tell him words of love and tenderness - do not be shy, it is very important for him. While the service was going on, you both thought of what your friend would say at the first meeting, but now, when your eyes met, all thoughts immediately became confused. Don't worry, this happens. The main thing is to listen to your heart, it will tell you.

Plan your day. Be prepared for the fact that your young man wants you to visit him together, go to a meeting with. It is very important for him at this moment to show everyone that you are the best, that you could wait for him after so much time and keep your feelings. To avoid problems, take a day off from work in advance or take time off from lectures.

Spend a whole day together. After endless visits to relatives and friends, you can finally be alone. A lot has changed over the course of your service, including yourself. You have not seen each other for too long, during this time your views on life, your worldview have changed. The most important thing is that you, as before, love each other. It is no coincidence that they say that the army is a test for the senses. You now have a difficult task - you need to get used to each other again, find out what has changed. During the day, you can walk around the city together to your favorite places with which you have romantic memories. Such a "journey into the past" will bring you closer and revive your feelings. After the walk, you can smoothly move on to dinner.

Make a romantic evening unforgettable. The best time to spend this time at home. The cozy home environment, which he dreamed of for so long, will undoubtedly make you more conducive to communication. Take care of the atmosphere: cover the table with a white tablecloth, decorate it with rose petals, light candles. Let romantic music play in the background. You must be impeccable: a sexy dress, an alluring perfume. Bring back the sweetest memories. Flirt with each other, say kind words. Don't be ashamed of your emotions. How this evening goes will largely determine how your future relationship will develop.