Shinsky: Russia and France should use the “soft power” of wine in their ties
Wine is not as “serious” in terms of either volumes or contract amounts as oil or gas, but it has its own “soft power” that Russia and France need to use in their relations today, Pavel Shinsky, director general of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Russie), told reporters.
“Today, many ties between Russia and France, including even cultural, scientific, sporting ties, are coming to naught. But wine, and I have no doubt about it, is capable of doing wonders. I personally appreciate many Russian wines,” he said.
Of course, the head of SSI France Russie added, wine is not as “serious” in terms of either volumes or contract amounts as oil or gas, but it has its own “soft power” that countries must now utilise.
“After all, wine is about live communication and contacts between people. Wine diplomacy for me is not an empty sound at all”, – emphasised the interlocutor of the agency.
He noted that it is among business people, bankers all over the world that there are so many lovers, real connoisseurs of this drink.
“In other words, if we act on the wine vector, then thanks to wine we can reach those who are most directly involved in making political and economic decisions in many countries around the world,” Shinsky concluded.
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