MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russia is an open country and a unique civilization but it has never laid claim to exclusivity and superiority, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"Dear colleagues, Russia is an open country and at the same time a unique civilization. This thesis lays no claim to exclusivity and superiority. But this civilization of ours is what matters most. We have inherited it from our ancestors and must preserve it for our descendants," he said in his State of the Nation Address.

"We will develop cooperation with our friends, with all those who are ready for joint work. We will use their best practices but rely primarily on our own potential, on the creative energy of Russian society, on our traditions and values," he pledged.

According to the president, Russia knows how to be friends, it always keeps its word, will never let anyone down and will always extend a helping hand in a difficult situation. "I would like to note the character of our people who have always been known for their generosity, bigheartedness, compassion and empathy. And Russia, as a country, reflects these traits. We can be friends, we can keep our word, we will never let anyone down and will always be there when times get tough. We never hesitate to help those in trouble. Everyone remembers that during the pandemic, as a matter of fact, we were the first to support several European countries, including Italy and other states in the most difficult weeks of the coronavirus outbreak," he recalled.

"Moreover, we are helping Syria and Turkey after the earthquake," he added.

According to the president, the rights and freedoms of Russian nationals are inviolable. "It is the Russian people who are the basis of the country’s sovereignty, the source of power. The rights and freedoms of our citizens are inviolable. They are guaranteed by the constitution. And despite external challenges and threats, we will not backtrack on them," he stressed.