MOSCOW, April 5. /TASS/. A vast experience of independent statehood and a rich culture serve to define Russia’s special status as a uniquely distinctive country-civilization, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"A thousand-year history of independent nationhood; a rich cultural heritage; the skill, honed over many centuries, of ensuring the harmonious coexistence of diverse peoples, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups over our immense territory have all served to determine Russia’s special place as a distinctive country-civilization," Putin said at a Kremlin ceremony for the presentation of credentials by 17 newly appointed foreign ambassadors.

He also noted that Russia "will continue to act as one of the world’s sovereign and authoritative centers of global politics," and will carry on with fulfilling its historical mission of maintaining the global balance of power and building a multipolar international system that can ensure opportunities for development "on the basis of a unifying, constructive agenda".