The message reads, in part:
“Year after year this forum, organised by the Russian Federation Defence Ministry, consistently develops and strengthens its role as an authoritative platform for discussing the most acute international security issues.
The conference has been focusing on such important topics as anti-missile defence, European security and global and regional stability.
I would like to note that many forecasts and assessments made in the course of these discussions have materialised.
This time the Conference is taking place on the eve of a great holiday – the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This date reminds us that lessons of history should not be forgotten, it reminds us of the danger of glorifying Nazism, claiming world supremacy and encouraging xenophobia and extremism.
Another important point is that the existing international security system has taken shape on the basis of the outcome of World War II. It was created through joint efforts and was based not only on a balance of forces, but also on respect for partners and consideration of mutual interests.
Departure from these rules and their erosion result in joint efforts to find solutions to global threats and risks being substituted with attempts to impose unilateral unsustainable recipes. Meanwhile, blatant interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and development of various ‘colour revolutions’ only expand the area of chaos and violence.
We are witnessing a dramatic upsurge in extremism and terrorism. The appearance of such a phenomenon as the ‘Islamic State’ only stresses the global nature of the terrorist threat, which makes itself known even in relatively stable parts of our planet.
I am convinced that in the current conditions not a single state or group of states have the resources to independently overcome the threats to global security. This requires concerted action of the entire international community based on international law and an overall analysis of the processes underway.
I expect the IV Moscow Conference, that brings together representatives of defence agencies and the expert community, to make a significant contribution to a thorough analysis of the causes behind the deterioration of the international situation and to help identify possible joint actions to overcome the current critical developments and challenges.”