The message reads, in part:
“The Federal Agency for the CIS Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) and its representatives abroad make a significant contribution to the development of relations with international partners in culture, science, the economy and the media. These efforts are an essential component of Russia’s foreign policy implemented by the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with other agencies.
Russia’s scientific and cultural centres in over 70 countries actively promote humanitarian exchanges, contacts between non-governmental, public, educational and youth organisations, and ties between twin cities. The state has charged you with a vitally important mission of providing support for our compatriots. With your help, more people study the Russian language, including those who live in the CIS, a priority region for us.
Today, when many states actively use the soft power policy to pursue their national interests, we see an escalating role and responsibility of Rossotrudnichestvo and its branches in promoting a positive image of our country abroad, strengthening its prestige and influence. It is essential for the world to obtain reliable information about modern Russia, to learn about our spiritual and intellectual traditions, rich history and enormous contribution to the development of civilisation.
I am confident that despite the scale and complexity of these tasks, you are capable of fulfilling them, given your professionalism, commitment and dedication to your work for the benefit of Russia.”