№ 2017-2018. A Joint Issue – Russian Federation and the United Mexican States. To the 125th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Mexican-Russian diplomatic relationship was established in 1890. Mexico is one of the key Latin American partners of Russia not only in regional but also in international affairs. Long-standing relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation underlie the dynamic bilateral interaction.

The subject of a joint issue of Mexican and Russian postage stamps, dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship is national monuments.

The Peter and Paul Fortress is a historical, military and engineering monument of St Petersburg. Its foundation stone was laid on a small Zayachy (Hare) Island by the north bank of the Neva River in May 1703. The Fortress is an architectural complex designed by Joseph-Gaspard Lambert de Guerin. The Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Boathouse, the Artillery Storeroom, the Mint, the Governor’s house, the Engineers’ house, the Guardhouse etc. were built during 18th – 19th centuries.

Chapultepec Castle was founded in 1785 at the initiative of Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez. Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico began to use the castle as his country seat chose in 1864. He hired several European and Mexican architects to replan and design the building in a neoclassical style. A garden was laid out on the castle’s roof. A straight boulevard now known as Paseo de la Reforma was constructed to connect the castle with the center of Mexico City. Later, an astronomical observatory was established at the castle. It was used as a presidential residence up to 1939. Chapultepec Castle is currently run by the National Museum of History.