The message reads, in part:
“Your forum, which has brought together prominent politicians, academics and representatives of religious associations, public organisations and media from many countries, has been timed for an important, landmark date: the 350th birth anniversary of Peter the Great. An outstanding statesman, military leader and patriot, he devoted his whole life to serving the Fatherland. His far-reaching reforms in the fields of state governance and the economy, science and culture, education and public awareness helped strengthen Russia’s international standing and largely determined its development in the subsequent centuries as a powerful and sovereign state.
I am confident that your forum will become an important and much-needed platform for broad-based and enthusiastic discussions held to analyse and assess the role of Peter the Great in the history of our country, and that it will contribute to the commemoration of that great son of the Fatherland.”