The President said, in particular, in his message:
“You will discuss a broad range of current issues of concern today for indigenous peoples, and outline further work for resolving important social and economic tasks, raising the quality of life, and protecting the natural environment and unique cultures and traditions.
These issues are major priorities for the state authorities too. We are carrying out ambitious programmes to develop the Far North, Siberia, and the Far East. It is essential to develop a constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with the local authorities and influential public organisations, take into account people’s opinions and act in their interests. Of course, it is important too to develop active international humanitarian cooperation, above all with the Arctic Region countries.”
The International Forum and 8th Congress of Small Indigenous Peoples of Siberia and the Russian Far East will take place in Salekhard (administrative centre of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area) on March 23–25.