The message reads, in part:
“This event has brought together representatives of government agencies, respected international organisations and NGOs, as well as academic and expert communities from over 30 countries. The agenda includes subjects that are of crucial significance for the well-being and sustainable development of humankind, above all the threats coming from biological and toxin weapons and infectious diseases.
Russia believes that an appropriate response to both natural and man-made biological challenges implies a maximally broad multilateral cooperation and stronger supranational mechanisms. We place special emphasis on compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction. We also advocate a closer connection between the instruments of this Convention and the concerned UN bodies.
I hope that you will have constructive and informed discussions, exchange valuable practical experience and map out new venues of mutually beneficial cooperation.”