Zurab Tseretelli's Art Gallery

RUSSIA: MOSCOW: SPANISH KING JUAN CARLOS VISIT

Natural Sound

Spanish King Juan Carlos finished his state visit to Russia on Wednesday by taking the chance to see examples of both the country's cultural heritage and its free-market future.

Juan Carlos' three-day visit has included talks on expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, and on Russia's role in European security on the eve of planned eastward expansion by NATO.

King Juan Carlos' last day in Russia began with a visit to a Spanish-Russian meat factory. He was shown the production process by members of the factory staff.

As the cameras watched the King sampled some meat products which were laid out for him.

Outside the factory he unveiled a plaque at a ceremony also attended by the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov. Luzhkov who accompanied the King throughout the day, is seen by many as a Presidential candidate in the year 2-thousand (2000).

The Royal party then moved on to view the newly rebuilt Cathedral of Christ the Saviour which is the pinnacle of Luzhkov's personal ambition to rejuvenate the Russian capital.

The cathedral has provoked criticism from many quarters because of its huge building costs and the choice of the controversial artist Zurab Tseretelli as its chief interior designer.

Following the tour Luzhkov presented the Royal couple with art catalogues describing the construction of the cathedral.

The King and Queen then headed towards Moscow's world-famous Pushkin art museum to see an exhibition of 20th century Spanish art.

Among the priceless works on display were paintings by Picasso, Miro and Dali. The couple also stopped to see pictures by other well-known modern artists such as Cezanne.

Juan Carlos' three-day visit to Russia has included talks on expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, and on Russia's role in European security on the eve of planned eastward expansion by NATO.

He met with President Boris Yeltsin in the Kremlin on Tuesday where he described their talks as very substantive.

The King and Queen are due to fly back to Spain this afternoon


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