Presentation of the book ‘Mournful Friday’ by the Nobel Prize in Literature winner M.A. Asturias

On 16 September, the Institute of History, International Relations and Socio-Political Studies hosted a solemn event dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Guatemala - the presentation of the book ‘Mournful Friday’ by Nobel Prize winner in Literature M. Asturias.

During the event, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, civil society, as well as teachers and students of the Institute of International Relations had the opportunity not only to discuss the work of M. Asturias, but also to hold a discussion on the contribution of Latin American artists to the treasury of world literature and art.

In particular, Ambassador-at-Large, Special Representative for Latin America Ruslan SPIRIN noted that such events open up unexplored facets of Latin American art to future international experts, which is no less important in the work of a diplomat than knowledge of economic or political priorities of Latin American countries.

Dmytro Havras, the initiator of the publication of the book ‘Mournful Friday’, stressed the importance of bringing the achievements of Latin American authors to the Ukrainian reader, as well as strengthening relations between our country and the countries of the Latin American region.

Yuriy Kosenko, head of the Ukrainian Initiative NGO, introduced the contents of the book ‘Mournful Friday’ and stressed the importance of studying such works, as their plot often resembles the Ukrainian present or contains parallels with national history, which could potentially help bring Ukraine and Latin American countries and their societies closer together.