MOSCOW, December 17. /TASS/. Competition and diversity of ideas are the guarantee of the country’s development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Competition and diversity of ideas and opinions, open and honest discussion of problems and way to resolve them are the guarantee of the country’s dynamic development. There will be no development without that," he said at the 21st congress of the ruling United Russia party.

Touching on the political tasks, the president called for defending Russia’s sovereignty, freedom and security. "Everything that is dear for us - our history, culture, values and traditions. To develop the economy, the social sphere, research and technical potential in the interests of people, wellbeing of millions of Russian families, and, naturally, to consolidate society," he listed the party’s goals.

"Everything inessential, non-important, everything that is disuniting us must be thrown away," he stressed.