President Putin opened the meeting at the Government House and noted that the upcoming census was particularly important for modern Russia because the country had experienced an unprecedented transformation in the previous decade. Vladimir Putin stressed that the census results were needed to make well thought-out decisions at state level, rather than for bureaucratic purposes, and to implement socio-economic policies.
President Putin discussed the high-priority aspects of the upcoming census. He said human rights, including the right to privacy, must be upheld, and that federal and regional authorities must work together. President Putin also noted the importance of trustful relations with the leaders of Russian ethnic diasporas.
Vladimir Putin said the census was the only way to obtain authentic results in several regions and metropolises, as well as in Chechnya and neighbouring territories.
President Putin said the concerned authorities must cooperate with compatriots abroad, and that observance of human rights during the census and efforts to ensure security and transparency were the most important aspects.
The Russian leader said an objective portrait of modern Russia could only be compiled in line with such principles.