The message reads, in part:
“Over the years, your creative project has greatly contributed to the cultural and public life of our country, serving a noble purpose of preserving the memory of heroic moments in our national history, educating the younger generation on timeless values of patriotism and the sense of civic duty, and fostering responsibility for the fate of the Motherland.
I am confident that this festival, timed to coincide with important dates in the chronicles of the Great Patriotic War, such as the 80th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from Nazi blockade, liberation of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as the fraternal Belarus, will be held at a high artistic level and will be remembered by participants and guests for its rich programme, interesting meetings and the opportunity to appreciate the works of talented masters.”