As he welcomed the award winners, Vladimir Putin described 2007 as a successful, dynamic and decisive year for Russia's long-term recovery.
The President noted that 2007 was important for Russian language and Russian culture. In light of the increasing economic potential of Russia's national culture, Vladimir Putin called on attendees to do everything possible so that Russian culture numbers among the world's best-known names, and that Russian language is increasingly used for interethnic and international communication.