The message reads, in part:
“Your agenda includes a wide range of issues related to the rights and legitimate interests of ethnic minorities and gives you an opportunity to exchange views on ways to enhance dialogue between different cultures.
The most important challenge facing the world today is to maintain mutual respect for national, religious and cultural diversity. Russia, which is home to more than 180 peoples, pays special attention to preserving their unique traditions and the development of cultures and languages.
I am confident that the practical recommendations drafted during the Congress will contribute to the emergence of new civic initiatives and promising projects in the humanitarian sphere.”
The Congress of the Federal Union of European Nationalities is being held in Russia for the first time.
FUEN unites 86 national minority organisations from 32 European countries.