MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. Russia is a strong and independent state that will achieve success if society moves toward it together, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his state of the nation address on Thursday.
"Russia is part of the global world, which is permanently changing," Putin said. "We understand the large scale of the existing problems both foreign and domestic ones. There are always difficulties and obstacles on the way of any kind of development."
"We will respond to all the challenges and act in a creative and efficient way, and work hard for the common good and for Russia. We will move forward together and we will definitely achieve success," he said.
Russia experienced another important benchmark when Crimea rejoined the country in March 2014, Putin reminded. "(Then) Russia asserted itself fully as a strong independent state with 1,000-year-old history and great traditions, a nation consolidated by common values and common goals."
"We are also acting confidently now when Russia is carrying out a direct fight against international terrorism," the president stressed. "We take decisions and fulfill them and know that only we can cope with the tasks ourselves. But only together," he said.
In the end of the speech, Putin quoted a brilliant Russian scientist of the 19th century, Dmitry Mendeleyev: "If we are divided, we will be destroyed. Our strength is in unity, army and good family, in increase in population and in natural growth in our domestic wealth and peace-loving."
Competition at the 2016 election
Competition at the 2016 election to the State Duma lower house of parliament must be honest and transparent to ensure public trust in the fair election, President Vladimir Putin said.
Addressing the social and political forces of the country, parliamentarians, Putin quoted the famous Russian historian, Nikolai Karamzin, who said "Respect yourself, or no one else will respect you". "I am not saying that love for the Fatherland should blind us and make us say we are better than anybody in every respect. But the Russian people must know their value," he said.
"We can dispute about ways to solve this or that problem, but we must remain united, and remember that Russia is above all for us," he said.
Within that context, the president said "election rivalry must be honest and transparent, and proceed within the framework of law, with respect for the voters," he said.
"It is necessary to ensure unconditional public confidence in the results of the elections, their firm legitimacy," the president added.
The election to the State Duma lower house of parliament will take place on September 18, 2016.