Mr Putin’s telegram reads, in particular:
“Representatives of different countries, outstanding contemporary writers, prominent philologists and Slavic studies specialists have gathered here in the Russian capital. All of you are people for whom the Russian language is a means of creative self-expression and of intellectual and friendly communication. You all understand and value the importance of the Russian word, which has resounded so powerfully and with such amazing beauty in world literature over the centuries.
Your congress is taking place as we mark Russian Language Year, and you will be discussing important issues of how to preserve this truly invaluable cultural heritage and how to raise the role of the Russian language as an instrument for international cooperation. I am sure that the upcoming meetings and discussions will help to strengthen mutual understanding and trust and will make an important contribution to creating a common literary and artistic space for the Russian word”.