The message reads, in part:
“The Russian Geographical Society is opening its first festival today.
This event will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the life of one of Russia’s oldest public organisations. It will present our country in all its diversity, showcase and tell the story of its unique nature, history and culture and of the successes and achievements of the genuine enthusiasts that are Russia’s geographers and experts in local history, travellers and ethnographers.
I am sure that this festival will become a regular event. The important thing is for it to bring people together through the Russian Geographical Society’s positive and substantive initiatives that aim to study and preserve our rich national heritage, and promote needed humanitarian, educational and creative projects.”