Strategic Chess Partnership

On June 29, during a video-conference organized with the assistance of the Federation Council’s cooperation group with the National Assembly of the Republic of Nicaragua, the Moscow Region Chess Federation  signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports

The Russian participants in the meeting included Natalia Kosikhina, Senator of the Russian Federation and member of the Federation Council’s cooperation group with the National Assembly of the Republic of Nicaragua; Sergey Karjakin, Senator of the Russian Federation and President of the MRCF; and Albert Minnullin, Executive Director of the MRCF and head of the “Chess Diplomacy” project. Joining them via video link were Daniel Sequeira and Maykeling López, Co-directors of the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports. The meeting was also attended by Her Excellency Ms. Alba Azucena Torres Mejía, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of  Nicaragua to the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Ledenev, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Nicaragua.

Natalia Kosikhina opened the meeting and warmly welcomed the participants from both sides, emphasizing our existing joint projects implemented by the Federation Council’s cooperation group with Nicaragua.

Daniel Sequeira stated that chess is much more than just a game; it is a mirror of life and a tool for cooperation that teaches patience, respect, and the ability to listen. These are precisely the values that our nations want to convey to the world. He also noted that there are many young talents in Nicaragua who will be able to develop thanks to the signed agreement and future cooperation.

Mikhail Ledenev pointed out that thanks to modern technology, distance is no barrier to cooperation. In turn, Alba Torres emphasized that the Memorandum would contribute to the formation of new values and the strengthening of the principles of peace.

Sergey Karjakin outlined the directions of future cooperation, highlighting the work already done by the Moscow Region Chess Federation on the South American continent as part of the “Chess Diplomacy” project. He expressed hope for a fruitful partnership that will primarily focus on providing new opportunities for the children of both countries.

For the MRCF, signing the Memorandum with Nicaragua has become a significant step in strengthening ties on the South American continent. We look forward to the active involvement of our new partners in our flagship projects!