The message reads, in part:
“These occasions highlight the inseparable link between the ages, including the continuity of the admirable traditions of creative labour, which has always been a landmark of this ancient northern region. Many generations of Vologda residents contributed to the strengthening of the Russian state and its economy and added several glorious pages to the country’s military history, not to mention the ancient handicrafts, which have made your region famous around the world.
It is highly commendable that you do your best to preserve this rich cultural and spiritual heritage and to effectively fulfil the tasks facing the region, primarily to overhaul the regional manufacturing industries and agriculture and create new modern jobs. Special attention must be given to the restoration of unique monuments of ancient Russian architecture, in particular wooden architecture, and to promoting the region as a major tourist destination.”