The message reads, in part:
“Your yearly meetings provide a great opportunity for a substantive exchange of views on current issues in humanitarian cooperation. They gather a wide range of participants from many regions of our countries, bringing together the efforts of government agencies and the community to promote advantageous collaborative initiatives.
Over the course of many years, relations between the peoples of Russia and Finland have been built on a foundation of mutual respect and good neighbourly relations. Our deep historical traditions, as well as our rich cultural and spiritual heritage, drive our common desire to better know one another. I expect that the results of your work will open new prospects for developing contacts between our citizens and promote broadening dialogue between members of the scientific and artistic communities in the interest of strengthening international peace and harmony.”