The meeting was attended by Kaliningrad Region Governor Anton Alikhanov, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, Member of the Presidium of the Presidential Council for Ethnic Affairs Vladimir Zorin, representatives of regional and municipal executive and legislative government bodies in the Northwestern Federal District, as well as scientists and experts.
Mr Magomedov noted in his speech that in the past few years the government’s activities have become much more effective and coordinated at all levels of authority. He noted positive dynamics in the perception of ethnic relations: over 81 percent of the population asses them as positive compared to about 50 percent just a few years ago. Mr Magomedov explained the change was brought about by consistent efforts in this area. Thus, following its meetings alone, the Council for Ethnic Relations has issued over a hundred instructions aimed at strengthening the unity of the Russian nation.
Regarding the Northwestern Federal District in particular, Mr Magomedov said the people are highly satisfied with the state of ethnic relations. He pointed to the importance of measures to enhance a common Russian civic identity and the unity of multi-ethnic Russia, and continuing systematic efforts on the adaptation and integration of migrants.
Participants in the meeting also discussed the de-politisation of the discussion of ethnic issues during election campaigns and the National Census, support for the state Russian language and all native languages in the federation, and the need to monitor conflicts and regional experience on preventing ethnic tension. They adopted relevant resolutions following the discussion of these issues.
In addition, Mr Magomedov met with Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Gutsan, Kaliningrad Region Governor Anton Alikhanov, and Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov. They discussed urgent issues of ethnic relations and the region’s socio-economic development.
