The idea of the conference was approved at the meeting of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations Presidium. The event was organised by the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Russian Germans and the Institute of Ethno-Cultural Education with the support of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN), the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and other agencies.
In his speech, Mr Magomedov noted that the President and the Presidential Executive Office pay great attention to supporting public initiatives for the development of friendly relations, educational and cultural exchanges with foreign countries.
“Our country pursues an unambiguous and clear policy for the development of good-neighbourly ties and inter-civilisational dialogue. The importance of people's diplomacy for maintaining peace and harmony on the planet cannot be overestimated. Strengthening public relations between nations is the best vaccination against extremism, xenophobia, ethnic and religious enmity,” he said.
Russia has historically evolved as a multiethnic state, Mr Magomedov stressed. He urged the leaders of non-governmental organisations involved in public diplomacy to be more active and to promote the popularisation of Russia’s experience in preserving interethnic and inter-religious harmony in the world.
The participants of the conference included Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Nationalities’ Affairs Ildar Gilmutdinov, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, Chairman of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Valery Fadeyev, leaders of ethnic cultural autonomies, foreign diplomats, representatives of the academic and expert communities.
At the end of the conference, a resolution was adopted containing recommendations on the comprehensive development of people’s diplomacy.