Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores the significance of preserving the "civilizational alloy" within the CIS and enriching its multinational heritage.
"We have inherited a truly unique civilizational alloy of traditions and customs, languages and literature, art and folk art. Our task is to preserve, as much as possible, this common multinational heritage and enrich it with new content," declared the head of state in a video message to participants at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.
Putin drew attention to the meeting's central theme, stating, "This meeting is devoted to a crucial topic—the development of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere." "The close cultural interrelation and spiritual closeness of our peoples, extensive human contacts, and centuries-old common history of life in one state form the solid foundation on which the integration processes within the CIS are built," he said.
Regarding Russia's upcoming presidency in the Commonwealth starting January 1, 2024, Putin noted that "It is quite natural to continue and develop the practice of holding a wide range of joint events in various areas of art, education, and science, including utilizing the resources of the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation."
"We will encourage the implementation of film and television projects, organize competitions of the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation, and promote classical and popular music," promised the Russian president. He recalls Russia's prior initiatives, such as the creation of the Eurasian Academy of Cinema Arts, the establishment of the Eurasian Film Award, and the revival of the international song festival Intervision. Addressing the heads of government of the CIS countries, Putin expresses confidence in a favorable reaction from their partners.
Confronting historical falsification
In a separate emphasis, Putin highlighted the importance of countering attempts to rewrite history. "We aim to continue the closest cooperation on preserving the memory of our common past, fighting attempts to falsify history, and the glorification of Nazism," he asserted. Putin assigns a crucial role to the movement of searchers and significant actions, including the "Immortal Regiment," "St. George's Ribbon," and "Memory Train," designed to familiarize citizens, especially the youth, with the history and places of military glory during the Great Patriotic War.
Preserving the Russian language
The president assured that "Russia will pay special attention to our common treasure—the Russian language, which has been and remains the language of interethnic communication for hundreds of millions of people in the CIS countries and around the world."
Recalling the recent signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the International Organization for the Russian Language, Putin noted, "This structure, with its headquarters in Sochi, is designed to help ensure the protection and promotion of the Russian language as a key to mutual understanding and free communication within the CIS and beyond its borders." He emphasized the importance of resolving practical issues, developing fundamental documents, and preparing for the organization's inaugural ministerial conference.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS