Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted participants in the first ministerial conference of the International Organization of the Russian Language, noting that knowledge of Russian expands opportunities for mutually beneficial contacts in the economic sphere.
"The Russian language is our common heritage. It is not only one of the official languages of UN system organizations and several regional multilateral structures, but also an indispensable means of interethnic communication throughout the Eurasian space," the message published on the Kremlin's website states. "Knowledge of Russian provides access to outstanding achievements of world culture and science, expands opportunities for mutually beneficial contacts in the economic, humanitarian, and many other spheres."
Putin noted that the conference marks the start of practical work for this intergovernmental organization, established at the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and supported by Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The president emphasized that cooperation in strengthening the Russian language at the international level is built on principles of mutual respect and genuine good neighborliness. Work in this direction meets the fundamental interests of friendly peoples who share a common history, cultural, and spiritual values.
He stated that the event plans to approve a number of documents regulating aspects of the organization's activities, as well as define practical steps to implement the large-scale tasks facing the new association.
Putin wished the conference participants success and all the best.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS