The message reads, in part:
“Your forum has brought to St Petersburg delegates from many regions, including representatives of indigenous peoples of the North and the Far East, for a serious and detailed discussion on the role of women in the life of the state and society, protection of their rights and legitimate interests and creating conditions for personal development.
I would like to point out that women in our country work in different activity areas and prove themselves in public and creative fields, in healthcare, education, science and business. They effectively solve professional problems and pay great attention to the implementation of humanitarian, educational and charitable initiatives. And of course, I would like to make special mention of the participation of servicewomen in ensuring Russia's security and national interests.
New opportunities are opening up today for involving women and women's organisations in resolving key national tasks, including in the North, the Far East and Siberia. I would like to emphasise that the state will continue to support large-scale projects aimed at socioeconomic development of these regions, improving the quality of life, preserving family values and the unique customs and cultures of indigenous peoples, and your knowledge, experience and creative potential will be in full demand in this important work.
I am sure that the forum will be successful, will acquire traditions and launch promising ideas and endeavours.”