The message reads, in part:
“This forum of Dagestanis from Russia’s regions and from foreign countries that convened in Makhachkala is a remarkable event for the republic and all of Russia. Dagestan is known for carefully preserving its traditions of trust, mutual understanding and hospitality that have united all ethnicities living in the republic throughout centuries. The republic holds its ancestors sacred, including the prominent son of Dagestan, true citizen and patriot Rasul Gamzatov. His poetry, full of love for his homeland and pride for the heroic chapters in its history, have become an invaluable legacy for our multiethnic Fatherland.
I am confident that the forum will be successful and will contribute to the strengthening of the links our compatriots living abroad have with their historical motherland, and to establishing business and personal contacts.”