ST. PETERSBURG, November 16. /TASS/. Culture has a mission of peace and brings nations closer together regardless of political and economic problems, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an opening ceremony of the 7th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum on Friday.
Russia knows about an enormous impact of culture not by hearsay, Putin said.
"Our country distinguishes itself with a unique diversity of languages and traditions which have been interweaving for centuries, enriching one another, inspiring and empowering Russian artists, authors and musicians to create cultural brands of world class, without any exaggeration," Putin said adding "Of course, we are very proud of that."
Focusing on the peace mission of culture, Putin said, "It brings people closer together, sometimes despite political disagreements and economic hardships, educating people about high values of humanism, equality and mutual respect."
According to the president, Russia is eager to learn about other countries’ experience and expertise.
"First of all, about those which implement cutting-edge models, which have proved their efficiency, to develop educational tourism, and to support young talents and volunteer ideas," he added.
"Those issues are prioritized in our cultural policy," Putin stated recalling about the Volunteer’s Year underway in Russia.
"Volunteer work is not a novelty for us since it has been expanding in more and more new directions. Of those, the work related to preserving our country’s cultural heritage has become particularly special this (Volunteer’s) Year," the president said.
Putin dubbed the demand for the St. Petersburg cultural forum as another evidence that "culture has no borders."
"I can see very many foreign friends in this hall," Putin continued, pointing out that 300 participants attended the first forum in 2012 compared to 35,000 this year.
"There is an increase by one hundred times. It speaks volumes," Putin said.
Traditionally, the forum’s venues bring together creative and public dignitaries, state officials, art patrons from a variety of countries, "but the humanitarian issues they speak about are of common interest for everyone. Therefore, a joint search for answers has obvious prospects of bringing about success," Putin said.
"This takes on even more importance when culture is viewed as a strategic potential of nations," he concluded.