The message reads, in part:
“Over the years, the Russian Union of Rectors has united the heads of more than 600 Russian universities around its large-scale, important tasks and made a significant contribution to preserving and developing the best traditions of national higher education. It is gratifying that you prioritise improving higher education, increasing its accessibility and competitiveness, and updating relevant legislation, as well as contribute to the spiritual, moral and patriotic education of the youth.
Let me stress that the higher education system is our powerful intellectual resource. This is why it is important for Russian universities to strengthen their scientific potential, become modern centres for fundamental and applied research, develop breakthrough technologies, and train qualified personnel to advance the regions and the whole country, in close cooperation with leading scientists, business and future employers. And of course, it is necessary to support talented, hardworking young men and women in their striving for self-realisation and desire to put their own ideas and initiatives into action.”