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Putin wishes fruitful work to 16th World Russian People’s Congress

Traditionally the World Russian People’s Congress brings together the heads of the executive and legislative authorities of Russia

MOSCOW, October 1 (Itar-Tass) —— Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of greeting to the 16th World Russian People’s Congress.

“Your traditional forum invariably gathers an impressive list of participants and is keynoted by a tight agenda, and meaningful and acute discussions,” Putin said in the message placed on the Kremlin’s website. “This time it has gathered again representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, other traditional religions, heads of bodies of state power, eminent scientists and public figures.

“The themes on the agenda of this forum are tightly related with the history of our country and its important dates and landmarks we are celebrating this year,” Putin said in the message of greeting. “I am certain that your great experience in life, wise advice and comments will contribute to a great and tangible cause – preservation of our rich historical and cultural heritage, wide public enlightenment and the strengthening of lasting spiritual, moral and family values.”

Putin wished the forum fruitful work.

The World Russian People’s Congress has been held since 1993. It is a site of free discussions by various political and social forces – both right- and left-wingers – over the future of Russia’s statehood. The forum was initiated by the Russian Orthodox Church and its current head Patriarch Kirill (in those days Metropolitan Kirill, of Smolensk).

Traditionally the World Russian People’s Congress brings together the heads of the executive and legislative authorities of Russia, the federation’s territories, representatives of the science community, military, law enforcers, teachers and students, and business people.

This forum, being held in the year of the 1150th anniversary of Russian statehood under the slogan Frontiers of History – Frontiers of Russia, will discuss and formulate “a concept of Russia’s civilizational identity.”

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