GREETING ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
to the participants, organizers and guests
of the III World congress of Finno-Ugric peoples
I would like to extend a cordial welcome to the delegates and
guests of the III World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples and my
best wishes for the beginning of its work!
I am convinced that the aspiration of the Finno-Ugric peoples,
living on the extensive territory of Northern and Central Europe
and Russia, to unity in solving the complex problems of their
national development is at present directed toward a progressive,
civilized onward march of peoples and countries on their way to
create and affirm an atmosphere of trust, good neighbourhood and
establishing of a versatile and mutually beneficial co-operation.
Your Congress takes place in hospitable Finland, a country that
has significant influence in the Finno-Ugric world and renders
substantial support to the same.
The preservation of the national versatility of the Finno-Ugric
peoples is a general tendency and at the same time a key factor
in the stable development of the international community.
The meaning and contents of your activity is the understanding
by the Finno-Ugric world of the fact that national unity furthers
the solution of the task of revival and development of the Finno-Ugric
peoples, as well as of other nations and nationalities living
in their dwelling areas.
The Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia can also in the future rely
on the support of the leaders and governing bodies of Russia in
their strive to revive and further develop their national traditions,
culture and languages for the good of the flourishing of their
common native land - Russia, as well as to preserve peace and
accord between nationalities.
I wish you success in your work in the name of consolidation
and friendship between all peoples on the basis of mutual respect
and recognition of the rights of free national development.
V. Putin
Moscow, the Kremlin, December 11, 2000
Source: III World Congress of
the Finno-Ugrian Peoples. Helsinki, 2000 [Joshkar-Ola, 2001],
p 12.
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