The Eighth World Congress of Russian Compatriots Living Abroad is opening in Moscow, scheduled for October 30-31. Under the banner “Together with Russia,” the event will bring together around 400 leaders and activists from the Russian diaspora representing 103 countries. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate, as announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Key officials from Russia’s Federal Assembly, central and regional government agencies, NGOs, representatives of traditional religions, journalists, and scholars will also attend.
According to Zakharova, the Congress program includes three plenary sessions and five thematic sections, addressing key issues of interest to the Russian diaspora. Topics will include the preservation of traditional and family values, the protection of cultural and historical heritage, the safeguarding of compatriots’ rights and interests, the promotion of the Russian language and education, engaging youth in diaspora activities, supporting Russian-language media, and encouraging resettlement in Russia.
A major theme of the Congress will also be preparations for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Russophobia in the West
Lavrov has previously highlighted the importance of “ensuring the rights and protection of compatriots abroad and preserving Russian cultural identity.” In the context of the anti-Russian sentiment on the rise in many Western countries, Lavrov noted that the level of Russophobia observed by Russia is alarming. He expressed concern that many organizations supporting Russian compatriots abroad face hostile discrimination. A recent Russian Foreign Ministry report on violations of the rights of Russian citizens and compatriots abroad underlined that incidents of discrimination and harassment in countries imposing sanctions against Russia often go unaddressed by their governments. Specifically, it noted that in places such as the Baltic States, the US, Canada, and Ukraine, authorities have targeted Russian-speaking community leaders who maintain cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with Russia and seek constructive relations with it.
Unity as Strength
Despite the rise of anti-Russian sentiment in the collective West, Zakharova stressed that the Russian diaspora remains strong and more unified than ever. She pointed out that Russian compatriots abroad are committed to working together for Russia’s benefit. “When we speak of Russia, we refer to our history, culture, and our contributions to global peace, security, and the preservation of true civilization values, not false ones. Our compatriots are dedicated to strengthening ties with their homeland in this context,” Zakharova stated.
The first World Congress of Russian Compatriots Living Abroad was held in Moscow on October 11-12, 2001, with representatives from 47 countries. Since 2006, the event has taken place every three years.
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Based on TASS materials