On Russian Victory Day Colombia Presents a Gift of 100,000 Flowers to the Russian People

MOSCOW - Over two hundred thousand Colombian floriculture workers join Russian citizens in the capital city of Moscow to celebrate Victory Day on May 9th. To mark this momentous occasion, Colombian flower growers are presenting a gift of 100,000 Colombian flowers to the Russian people.

Diego Tobon, Colombian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, made the announcement, indicating that the streets of Moscow will be festooned with celebratory Colombian flowers, primarily roses and red carnations.

Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, stated that, “this gift of flowers to the Russian people springs from the Colombian flower growers’ appreciation for the historic role Russia played in bringing an end to World War II.”

Solano added that 150 people will be positioned at strategic points around the capital of the Russian Federation to hand out Colombian flowers to Muscovites on this major holiday. “The Russian people observe the triumph of the Soviet Union and the Allies over Nazi Germany on May 9, 1945, which brought an end to the Second World War in Europe. This accomplishment deserves to be celebrated by all nations, including Colombia,” said Solano.

The South American nation will offer flowers to war veterans and present city officials with a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

About ‘Colombia, Land of Flowers’

In just under 40 years, Colombia has grown to become the largest provider of flowers to the United Sates and the second largest flower exporter in the world, generating over USD $1.1 billion export value in 2008. Russia has grown to become the second largest customer for Colombian flowers.

Colombian floriculture is currently that nation’s top non-traditional agricultural exporter, generating over two hundred thousand direct and indirect jobs. Beyond creating jobs and generating foreign currency, Colombian floriculture has developed one of the most complete models of corporate social responsibility in the country and, together with international cooperation entities and the support of the Colombian government, spearheads important initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life for its floriculture workers.

For more information: Carlos Moreno, Moscow: Tel: +91-617-78309 carlomopa@hotmail.com Natalia Ochoa, Bogota, Tel: +57-1-257-9311, Ext: 0160 comunicaciones@asocoflores.org Jairo Cadavid, Bogota, Tel: +57-1-257-9311, Ext: 0115 jcadavid@asocolflores.org

Source: Asocolflores (Association of Colombian Flower Exporters)

Carlos Moreno, Moscow, Tel: +91-617-78309, carlomopa at hotmail.com, for Asocolflores (Association of Colombian Flower Exporters); or Natalia Ochoa, Bogota, Tel: +57-1-257-9311, Ext: 0160, comunicaciones at asocoflores.org, or Jairo Cadavid, Bogota, Tel: +57-1-257-9311, Ext: 0115, jcadavid at asocolflores.org, both of Asocolflores (Association of Colombian Flower Exporters)