The message reads, in part:
“At the initiative of the Russian Defence Ministry, Moscow has brought together a highly authoritative group of defence officials from European countries, the United States and Canada, representatives of key international organisations, such as the CSTO, the OSCE, NATO and the EU, as well as prominent military experts and political scientists, who will discuss and outline possible future ways to strengthen security on the European continent.
Given the current global threats, increasing instability in several neighbouring regions, the growing dangers of international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and drug trafficking, it is essential to focus the efforts of all interested states and the expert community to develop steps to ensure equal security and joint strategies to combat emerging threats and challenges.
Prerequisites exist today to achieve this objective: there are no fundamental ideological differences, the economies of different countries are interdependent, cultural, scientific and business ties, as well as contacts between people are developing. However, there are some differences of opinion, for example on the development of a global missile defence system, the expansion of NATO's military infrastructure, the control of conventional armed forces and their reduction.
Against this background, the tasks facing your forum are highly relevant and meaningful. I hope that you will be able to contribute to fostering greater trust and mutual understanding. I have no doubt also that your ideas and recommendations will be in demand and will strengthen European security and international stability as a whole.”