On September 7-8, the XI Regional Conference of Russian Compatriots from Neighboring Countries “Towards the Congress” was held in Khojent (Tajikistan). The event was attended by leaders and members of the World, Regional and Country Coordinating Councils of Russian Compatriots, as well as activists and experts from Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, South Ossetia. The forum was attended by representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian foreign missions in Tajikistan, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and the Government of the Altai Territory.
In his welcoming speech, Deputy Chairman of the Government Commission on Compatriots Abroad, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin noted the significant contribution made by compatriots living in neighboring countries to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between Russia and the states of the region, emphasized the importance of ensuring the continuity of generations and patriotic education of youth in the to protect the historical truth, to preserve the memory of the heroic past of our peoples.
Welcoming addresses were also sent by the heads of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), the Foundation for Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of St. Petersburg.
During the meeting, a rich, lively discussion took place on topical issues of the activities of associations of the Russian Diaspora, preparations for the VIII World Congress of Compatriots (Moscow, October 30-31). Action plans for the future were discussed.
The delegates expressed their readiness to further defend traditional spiritual and moral foundations, promote the achievements of Russian education and science, and contribute to the implementation of the cultural and humanitarian agenda, including in the context of the Year of the Family in Russia. The role of the Russian Orthodox Church and other official religious denominations of Russia in strengthening the unity of the Russian-speaking community abroad was emphasized.
Following the results of the forum, a statement and a resolution were adopted.
The conference was held in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere of solidarity and mutual understanding.
