A two-headed eagle and a Kalashnikov assault rifle
A friendly match between Russian diplomats and chess players from Mozambique will take place on June 28 at 5 PM Moscow time
The team of the chess club under the auspices of the Russian ministry of foreign affairs has only recently had its first match against the Togolese team, developing chess diplomacy in Africa further on. Chess amateurs at least on two continents kept a close eye on this great chess event.
Another event will be organized under the auspices of the Moscow Region Chess Federation together with the council of young diplomats of the Russian ministry of foreign affairs, GATINGO International Association (Africa – Russia) and with information support provided by “African initiative” information agency. This friendly match is dedicated to 50-years anniversary of the foundation of foreign relations between Russia and Mozambique.
The match will take place on lichess chess platform in «Arena» mode with a standard time control of 5+3 within 1.5 hours of total time. The results of 20 best players of each team will be calculated together to obtain a final score.
The diplomatic team will be represented by diplomats of the Ministry in Russia and in foreign offices. The Mozambique team will consist of the members of the national team, officials from the Federation along with local chess amateurs.
Commenting the coming match, the Russian senator, multiple world champion, the president of the Moscow Region Chess Federation and international grandmaster Sergey Karjakin pointed out high importance of this event: «We see that chess diplomacy is functioning perfectly well. This match will act as a foundation to strengthen sports and humanitarian relations between Russia and Mozambique and it will help to create a long lasting collaboration. I hope that such matches against different African teams will become a good tradition!”
The Mozambique team is also full of optimism before the match. The president of the Mozambique Chess Federation Milton Botao said: «It is an honor for us to play chess with Russian diplomats. Although our countries are a long way from each other, such a match will become a bright event in our chess life. I am sure that this match is just the first step to become friends with Russia and a good chance to settle up bilateral relations».
A national team member and a strong FM Ivan Andrade who will play in the match, mentioned: «When I learnt about the match — I decided to play anyway, because the Russian chess school is one of the best in the world. We all studied best games by Russian and Soviet masters. I am looking forward to meeting my new Russian chess friends!»
Commenting the future match, temporary charge d’affaires S.B. Neskorozhenkov pointed out a special place that Africa and Mozambique occupy in the Russian foreign policy He expressed hope to continue and gradually develop friendly relations between Moscow and Maputo, he also commented on the importance of informal humanitarian relations between our countries.
The best players from each side will get chess boards signed by Sergey Karjakin and a chance to play against him in a simultaneous game.
French commentary will be provided by the Togolese champion and CM Mikhail Strovsky.