Mr Medvedev said in particular in his message:
“This big event has an important part to play in resolving issues concerning humanitarian cooperation today, including preserving the Russian language and culture, and increasing cooperation with Russia’s regions and business community. You live beyond Russia’s borders but continue to nurture its spiritual traditions and help to establish direct contacts between our countries’ citizens.
I am sure that this forum will help to bring Russia and Europe closer together and create opportunities for promising new business and humanitarian projects.”
Participants in the forum, which is taking place in Brussels, include associations of Russians living abroad, Russian public organisations, and also representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council. The forum’s theme is ‘The European Union and Russia: New Challenges’.