The message reads, in part:
“It is gratifying that we have had this wonderful and time-tested tradition, initiated by the Russian Children’s Fund, to celebrate this day together with our friends in Moscow. Today, our capital is again welcoming a large and close-knit group of children from many cities and towns of Russia, including the new regions, as well as delegations from CIS countries.
The issues of bringing up children and strengthening family values are being given priority attention by the Russian authorities. It is important that respected public and charity organisations, like Russia’s Children Fund, are making a substantial contribution to the fulfilment of these ambitious and much-needed tasks. The fund’s proposals, ideas and projects are aimed at supporting boys and girls in difficult circumstances and at helping them with their creative self-realisation. Of course, I would also like to mention the fund’s noble mission of helping the children and families of participants in the special military operation.
I am confident that this superb festival will be held successfully, as it usually is, and that the young guests of our capital will have fond memories of interesting trips, performances and visits to museums and exhibitions.”