This year marks 200 years since the United States and Russia established diplomatic relations.  The U.S. Embassy is coordinating several events to mark the anniversary.  VOA Correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports from the Russian capital as part of the program, American figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan engaged in some people to people diplomacy with a visit to a Moscow orphanage.

Kwan Explains American basketball game of Horse

Speaking in a small auditorium, Kwan spoke about the importance of hard work and perseverance

Kwan autographs and gives children t-shirts marking 200 years of relations between the US and Russia

Kwan said making connections with children, trying to inspire them, is her form of public diplomacy.

Commenting on 200 years of U.S.-Russian relations, orphanage director Vlada Volokhatova said there is no direct connection between traditional diplomacy and Michelle Kwan's visit.

Nonetheless, Volokhatova says diplomacy is not just about diplomats.  She notes that communication between ordinary Americans and Russians is also part of good relations. 

Throughout this bicentennial year, U.S. diplomats in Russia will be celebrating other areas of Russian-American cooperation since 1807, including health, philanthropy, space, business, and rule of law.