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Putin vows to protect compatriots abroad, including in Libya, Syria

The president explained that this concerns the key rights such as studying the native language and preserving cultural and spiritual traditions

MOSCOW, November 5. /TASS/. Russia will always protect fellow countrymen abroad, including in Yemen, Libya and Syria, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"People who are not in Russia due to various reasons should be firmly sure: we will always protect your interests," Putin told the fifth World Congress of Compatriots in Moscow.

"Moreover, in difficult and crisis situations, such as in Libya, Syria or Yemen," the Russian leader said.

Putin stressed that safeguarding compatriots from any discrimination remains Russia’s key task. The president explained that this concerns the key rights such as studying the native language and preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

Russia will continue implementing the state program assisting the relocation of compatriots to the motherland, Putin said, adding that more than 367,000 people, including 130,000 from Ukraine, have moved to Russia under this program.

"We remain close to each other indeed. I am sure that wherever you are, the historic motherland will always remain a secure foothold for you," Putin told the participants of the congress.

Moscow concerned about attempts to destroy education system in Russian in some countries

Putin noted that Russia is concerned about attempts to destroy the system of education in Russian in some countries and to limit the work of Russian theaters and libraries.

"We cannot help worrying about the fact that in some countries the system of education in Russian is intentionally destroyed pursuing political purposes, work of Russian theaters, libraries and cultural centers is hampered under far-fetched pretexts," Putin said.