PARIS, November 26. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov on Friday urged Russians living in France to maintain unity.

"In the current difficult circumstances, we would sincerely like the Russian community in France not to succumb to any attempts to split the existing associations of our compatriots, but on the contrary, strive for consolidation, putting aside the existing disagreements," he said at the opening of the 6th Forum of Compatriots in France, which is being held at the Russian Embassy.

According to Meshkov, world experience shows that "a close-knit community is able to defend its rights more effectively, ensure the protection of its own interests, develop business initiatives and preserve cultural identity."

"Such consolidation can be built around the teaching of the Russian language, countering Russophobia, promoting a positive image of Russia," the ambassador said.

He highlighted the role played by the Coordinating Council of Compatriots in the life of the Russian community in France.

"Its activities are extremely broad and cover diverse groups of compatriots and areas of activity ranging from economy to culture, from issues of life and activity of young people to the problems of the older generation," the diplomat said.

He said the Russian diaspora in France brings together people of different political views on Russian and global politics.

"But it’s important that you all care about our culture, language and history," Meshkov said. "We hope that you will contribute to the implementation of the state policy to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian spiritual and moral values."

The forum of compatriots is held in Paris on November 25-26. As part of the event, there are plans to hold plenary sessions and other discussions dedicated to the teaching of the Russian language and the protection of the rights of Russians in France.