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Ambassador Fedotov presents Marina Poplavskaya with flowers

Russian Diplomats' Day

The Russians have the right idea – every year they set aside a day to recognise their diplomats. "Perhaps one day we can have an international day for diplomats," suggested Russian Ambassador Yuri Fedotov to an audience of CIS diplomats and Foreign Office officials, gathered to listen to a presentation of the poetry of the 19th century Russian diplomat and poet Fyodor Tyutchev. The diplomat's brooding romantic poetry has inspired people far beyond Russia's borders - as far as iconic Icelandic musician Björk. Music was also on the evening's programme, with a special performance of Russian songs by acclaimed soprano Marina Poplavskaya. "Who knows?" smiled one of the guests. "Perhaps if Dmitry Medvedev wins the Russian presidency in March, we'll be listening to Deep Purple next year!" A heavy-metal band – once banned in the Soviet Union – performing in the Russian Ambassador's residence? Now that would be a first.

Mrs Fedotova and her granddaughter – who stole the show