The message reads, in part:
“Your conference marks the launch of the practical work of this intergovernmental organisation, established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with the support of our colleagues from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Russian language is truly our shared heritage. It serves not only as one of the official languages of UN bodies and several regional multilateral organisations but also as an essential means of interethnic communication across the Eurasian space. Proficiency in Russian opens access to the world’s cultural and scientific achievements and broadens opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in economic, cultural, humanitarian, and numerous other fields.
It is especially important that efforts to strengthen the international role of the Russian language are consistently guided by principles of mutual respect and genuine neighbourliness. Such collaboration clearly serves the fundamental interests of the friendly peoples of our countries, bound together by a shared history and common cultural and spiritual values.
The conference will focus on approving several documents that govern different aspects of the Organisation’s work, as well as outlining practical steps to achieve the ambitious goals set for this new association.”