Russian Center of Science and Culture is open in Bethlehem with the support of NK RussNeft.

The solemn opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Head of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society Sergey Stepashin, the President of NK RussNeft Mikhail Gutseriev as well as representatives of the State, public and cultural organizations of Russia, Palestine and Israel, Russian spiritual mission in Jerusalem.
His Holiness Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia gave blessing for the construction of the Cultural and business center in Palestine. A spacious modern complex was built in a relatively short time on the land plot with the area of one hectare.
The Center’s three thousand square meters of floor space accommodate a spacious library, containing 3.5 thousand volumes, a modern cinema hall for 350 spectators and a dance hall. The complex also includes office premises, a hotel, an underground parking and school for learning Russian language. NK RussNeft fully funded the project and developed the project documentation for construction. Construction of the Center will give impetus to the development of the cultural and spiritual presence of Russia in the Holy Land, the preservation of the historical traditions and Russian heritage in the countries of biblical region. For active participation in the construction of the Cultural and business center and a significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the Russian-Palestinian relations, the strengthening of friendship and trust between the peoples the President of NK Russneft Mikhail Gutseriev was awarded the Commendation of the President of the Russian Federation and was awarded the Honorary order of memorial sign “Order of the Star of Bethlehem” of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society.