The Speaker of the Federation Council sent greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of the 6th World Congress of Russian Compatriots Living Abroad.
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev read Valentina Matvienko’s welcome remarks to the organisers, participants and guests of the forum at the opening ceremony.
“This major event held regularly since 2001 has become an important tool for promoting relations between Russia and the Russian world abroad,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The message also emphasises the Federation Council’s special focus on providing support to compatriots living abroad, and readiness to fully assist in developing the necessary legal framework in this area.
Moscow is hosting the sixth congress, Russia and Compatriots: New Challenges and New Frontiers, on 31 October – 1 November.
The participants will summarise the work done over the past three years and determine the guidelines for cooperation in the future.
The priority issues addressed by the congress include protecting the rights of compatriots; preserving the Russian identity, the Russian language and education; and strengthening the role of youth.
Over 400 participants representing compatriots' organisations from 98 countries are taking part in the event.
The participants will approve the Regulations on the World Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots Living Abroad.