WEBVTT 1 00:00:09.711 --> 00:00:11.495 Good afternoon, friends, 2 00:00:11.495 --> 00:00:15.952 I am delighted to welcome the participants of the 6th World 3 00:00:15.952 --> 00:00:17.735 Congress of Compatriots. 4 00:00:17.735 --> 00:00:21.301 It is symbolic that this Congress has met ahead 5 00:00:21.301 --> 00:00:23.233 of the National Unity Day. 6 00:00:23.233 --> 00:00:28.285 This holiday was established to celebrate the glorious deeds of our 7 00:00:28.285 --> 00:00:33.485 forefathers and unbreakable bonds between all generations that remain 8 00:00:33.485 --> 00:00:38.760 loyal to their homeland and uphold their traditional values and common 9 00:00:38.760 --> 00:00:43.026 ideals irrespective of the country they live in. 10 00:00:43.026 --> 00:00:49.068 Over 700 people from many countries are attending this Congress. 11 00:00:49.068 --> 00:00:55.047 At the same time, all of you together represent the tight-knit 12 00:00:55.047 --> 00:01:02.560 community of Russian compatriots and the huge united Russian world, 13 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:07.906 which was never based exclusively on ethnic, 14 00:01:07.906 --> 00:01:11.916 national or religious principles. 15 00:01:11.916 --> 00:01:16.205 It has brought together and united all those who are connected 16 00:01:16.205 --> 00:01:19.731 to Russia spiritually, who feel a spiritual link to our homeland, 17 00:01:19.731 --> 00:01:21.963 and who consider themselves to be Russian speakers 18 00:01:21.963 --> 00:01:24.911 and the carriers of Russian culture and history. 19 00:01:24.911 --> 00:01:29.081 I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your 20 00:01:29.081 --> 00:01:31.405 involvement in the life of Russia, 21 00:01:31.405 --> 00:01:34.020 for your invariable support and for your solidarity. 22 00:01:34.020 --> 00:01:39.656 We are grateful for your contribution to the promotion and advancement 23 00:01:39.656 --> 00:01:45.214 of our rich historical and cultural heritage and everything else that 24 00:01:45.214 --> 00:01:48.548 constitutes our national Russian identity. 25 00:01:48.548 --> 00:01:53.256 An important role in this is played by Russian cultural institutions 26 00:01:53.256 --> 00:01:55.394 abroad: theatres, libraries, and museums. 27 00:01:55.394 --> 00:02:01.014 Many of them are created and supported by our compatriots abroad. 28 00:02:01.014 --> 00:02:04.203 I cannot fail to note the role of the media. 29 00:02:04.203 --> 00:02:09.204 Without them, many useful initiatives to expand the Russian-speaking 30 00:02:09.204 --> 00:02:12.104 space would not have the desired effect. 31 00:02:12.104 --> 00:02:16.204 I would like to sincerely thank philologists, teachers, 32 00:02:16.204 --> 00:02:20.603 literary critics and enthusiasts who help us in organising 33 00:02:20.603 --> 00:02:25.001 the international celebrations of our outstanding writers’ 34 00:02:25.001 --> 00:02:28.132 anniversaries: Leo Tolstoy, Ivan Turgenev, 35 00:02:28.132 --> 00:02:31.880 Alexander Solzhenitsyn and many others. 36 00:02:31.880 --> 00:02:34.903 I am also pleased to announce that a modern, 37 00:02:34.903 --> 00:02:39.164 state-of-the-art building of the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House 38 00:02:39.164 --> 00:02:42.463 of Russian Expatriates has been built in Moscow. 39 00:02:42.463 --> 00:02:45.074 Its collection is now being finalised. 40 00:02:45.074 --> 00:02:47.617 Compatriots donated priceless relics, 41 00:02:47.617 --> 00:02:53.065 evidence of dramatic events in the history of our country to the museum. 42 00:02:53.065 --> 00:02:56.991 The museum will open its doors to visitors in spring 2019, 43 00:02:56.991 --> 00:02:59.940 and I am sure it will become one of the leading intellectual 44 00:02:59.940 --> 00:03:01.859 and cultural centres of Russia, 45 00:03:01.859 --> 00:03:05.795 a platform for fruitful dialogue with our compatriots all 46 00:03:05.795 --> 00:03:07.573 over the world. 47 00:03:07.573 --> 00:03:12.249 Friends, all of this is especially important now that we are dealing 48 00:03:12.249 --> 00:03:15.841 with the issues that will directly affect the future 49 00:03:15.841 --> 00:03:17.414 of Russia and other countries. 50 00:03:17.414 --> 00:03:20.721 The international situation is far from simple. 51 00:03:20.721 --> 00:03:23.677 Tensions and unpredictability are growing. 52 00:03:23.677 --> 00:03:27.477 The foundations of international law are being eroded, 53 00:03:27.477 --> 00:03:31.096 and long-term agreements between states are crumbling. 54 00:03:31.096 --> 00:03:35.613 Russophobia and, regrettably, other forms of extreme aggressive 55 00:03:35.613 --> 00:03:36.494 nationalism are being employed. 56 00:03:36.494 --> 00:03:41.653 There is no concealing the fact that a war on memorials and the Russian 57 00:03:41.653 --> 00:03:43.947 language is underway in Ukraine, 58 00:03:43.947 --> 00:03:46.813 the Baltics and several other countries. 59 00:03:46.813 --> 00:03:51.044 People are being intimidated and even terrorised. 60 00:03:51.044 --> 00:03:56.054 A natural desire to preserve one’s ethnic roots is denounced as a crime 61 00:03:56.054 --> 00:03:57.794 and a form of separatism. 62 00:03:57.794 --> 00:04:01.382 The freedom of speech and the right to keep up one’s 63 00:04:01.382 --> 00:04:02.371 traditions are defied. 64 00:04:02.371 --> 00:04:07.048 Some of our compatriots have been denied the right to practice their 65 00:04:07.048 --> 00:04:09.352 professions for political reasons. 66 00:04:09.352 --> 00:04:12.850 Many people are feeling the consequences of this harsh pressure. 67 00:04:12.850 --> 00:04:16.109 We will firmly defend your rights and interests, 68 00:04:16.109 --> 00:04:19.571 using all the available bilateral and multilateral 69 00:04:19.571 --> 00:04:20.625 mechanisms at our disposal. 70 00:04:20.625 --> 00:04:25.522 We will continue to provide assistance to the Foundation for Supporting 71 00:04:25.522 --> 00:04:29.263 and Protecting the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, 72 00:04:29.263 --> 00:04:32.956 which has helped establish 26 legal aid centres in 20 countries. 73 00:04:32.956 --> 00:04:37.913 It has allocated grants to some 200 projects and organised over 50 74 00:04:37.913 --> 00:04:42.279 events, including courses for young human rights advocates. 75 00:04:42.279 --> 00:04:47.477 Professional legal assistance has been provided to over 70,000 people, 76 00:04:47.477 --> 00:04:51.783 including in such trouble spots as Syria, Yemen and Libya. 77 00:04:51.783 --> 00:04:55.652 As I said, the preservation and promotion of the Russian 78 00:04:55.652 --> 00:04:57.072 language is among our priorities. 79 00:04:57.072 --> 00:04:59.288 Towards this end, the Federal Agency for the CIS Affairs, 80 00:04:59.288 --> 00:05:02.103 Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation 81 00:05:02.103 --> 00:05:05.323 (Rossotrudnichestvo) alone helps some 82 00:05:05.323 --> 00:05:07.958 5,000 preschool and secondary school teachers receive 83 00:05:07.958 --> 00:05:09.918 advanced training every year. 84 00:05:09.918 --> 00:05:14.590 Measures are being taken to support Russian language teachers. 85 00:05:14.590 --> 00:05:19.791 Starting in 2017, Russia’s Education Ministry sends Russian language 86 00:05:19.791 --> 00:05:24.388 teachers to six cities in Tajikistan and provides assistance 87 00:05:24.388 --> 00:05:29.362 to the Alexander Pushkin Russian-Turkmenistani School in Ashgabat. 88 00:05:29.362 --> 00:05:33.655 The Pushkin Institute Partner Network has been established 89 00:05:33.655 --> 00:05:38.021 to facilitate access to Russian language tuition programmes. 90 00:05:38.041 --> 00:05:41.654 Over 80 language centres around the world have been created within 91 00:05:41.654 --> 00:05:44.852 the framework of this partner network. 92 00:05:44.852 --> 00:05:47.974 We are increasing the delivery of textbooks, 93 00:05:47.974 --> 00:05:51.948 fiction and teaching aids to educational establishments. 94 00:05:51.948 --> 00:05:54.655 Youth Olympiads are held regularly, 95 00:05:54.655 --> 00:06:00.988 and their winners are invited to study at the top Russian universities. 96 00:06:00.988 --> 00:06:04.501 I would like to highlight the efforts of the Russky Mir Foundation, 97 00:06:04.501 --> 00:06:07.995 which annually organises large-scale assemblies in Russia. 98 00:06:07.995 --> 00:06:12.506 This year’s assembly is scheduled for November 2–4 in Tver. 99 00:06:12.506 --> 00:06:17.782 The Foundation has established over 250 Russian Centres and “Russian 100 00:06:17.782 --> 00:06:22.904 World rooms” in 70 countries, including 12 in the past three years. 101 00:06:22.904 --> 00:06:24.835 One of them is located at the University of Damascus in Syria. 102 00:06:24.835 --> 00:06:29.947 Over one million people were involved in the Foundation’s 103 00:06:29.947 --> 00:06:32.189 events in 2018. 104 00:06:32.189 --> 00:06:37.267 We do not want young compatriots living abroad to lose their roots, 105 00:06:37.267 --> 00:06:43.088 their Russian essence and their ties with the Motherland. 106 00:06:43.088 --> 00:06:47.089 Therefore the youth is among the most popular areas 107 00:06:47.089 --> 00:06:48.704 of focus in our work. 108 00:06:48.704 --> 00:06:53.683 We would like as many young compatriots as possible to visit Russia, 109 00:06:53.683 --> 00:06:56.977 learn about its achievements, its life today, 110 00:06:56.977 --> 00:07:02.248 to meet with their peers and launch joint projects and initiatives. 111 00:07:02.248 --> 00:07:05.030 We help young people establish contacts, 112 00:07:05.030 --> 00:07:08.159 including business and professional contacts, 113 00:07:08.159 --> 00:07:10.593 and to join the volunteer movement. 114 00:07:10.593 --> 00:07:14.417 The 2017 World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi 115 00:07:14.417 --> 00:07:17.268 played an important role in this respect. 116 00:07:17.268 --> 00:07:22.462 Educational trips to historical sites, including Hello, Russia!, 117 00:07:22.462 --> 00:07:27.818 the World Games of Young Compatriots and the Workshop of Meanings 118 00:07:27.818 --> 00:07:31.876 online educational resource remain highly popular. 119 00:07:31.876 --> 00:07:36.366 I would like to emphasise that since early 2018 our compatriots are 120 00:07:36.366 --> 00:07:38.459 free to take part in the Leaders of Russia competition 121 00:07:38.459 --> 00:07:40.022 of next generation leaders. 122 00:07:40.022 --> 00:07:43.946 This is a good opportunity to receive quality professional 123 00:07:43.946 --> 00:07:45.986 training and to realise one’s ambitions. 124 00:07:45.986 --> 00:07:49.887 I must also say a few more words about the efforts of the Russian 125 00:07:49.887 --> 00:07:53.321 Orthodox Church and other traditional national confessions, 126 00:07:53.321 --> 00:07:55.086 including Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. 127 00:07:55.086 --> 00:07:59.319 I can see many representatives of these religions in this hall, 128 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:01.536 and I would like to welcome them. 129 00:08:01.536 --> 00:08:05.702 I want to thank them for their efforts to strengthen cultural 130 00:08:05.702 --> 00:08:09.703 and humanitarian ties between our compatriots abroad and Russia. 131 00:08:09.703 --> 00:08:12.723 Unfortunately, some are now trying to sever these ties, 132 00:08:12.723 --> 00:08:15.597 one way or another, and to force these people to stay 133 00:08:15.597 --> 00:08:17.675 in their respective countries. 134 00:08:17.675 --> 00:08:22.416 I would like to note one thing: political intrigues in this sensitive 135 00:08:22.416 --> 00:08:25.464 sphere have always spelled dire consequences, 136 00:08:25.464 --> 00:08:28.105 primarily for those who are doing this. 137 00:08:28.105 --> 00:08:31.966 It is our shared duty (to the people, in the first place) 138 00:08:31.966 --> 00:08:35.139 to do everything possible to preserve spiritual and historical unity. 139 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:37.145 Friends, 140 00:08:37.145 --> 00:08:41.379 Russia has a strong economic and humanitarian potential. 141 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:45.028 And, as I said in the Address to the Federal Assembly, 142 00:08:45.028 --> 00:08:49.021 its positions and role in the world are determined by the people 143 00:08:49.021 --> 00:08:51.765 and the conditions that we create for their self-fulfilment 144 00:08:51.765 --> 00:08:53.528 and creativity. 145 00:08:53.528 --> 00:08:57.436 We are facing large-scale tasks to ensure breakthrough, 146 00:08:57.436 --> 00:08:59.717 sustainable long-term growth. 147 00:08:59.717 --> 00:09:02.969 I am sure that our compatriots can make a great 148 00:09:02.969 --> 00:09:05.612 contribution to this constructive work. 149 00:09:05.612 --> 00:09:09.263 We are primarily counting on your involvement in promoting cooperation 150 00:09:09.263 --> 00:09:10.337 projects with Russia. 151 00:09:10.337 --> 00:09:14.716 However, frankly, circumstances could develop in different ways. 152 00:09:14.716 --> 00:09:18.074 Therefore, we will be happy to see those who want to come to us 153 00:09:18.074 --> 00:09:21.632 on a temporary basis, as well as those who apply for citizenship 154 00:09:21.632 --> 00:09:24.194 and permanent residence in Russia. 155 00:09:24.194 --> 00:09:28.064 As for those illegally persecuted, those in danger, 156 00:09:28.064 --> 00:09:32.087 we will make every effort to ensure their protection 157 00:09:32.087 --> 00:09:33.756 and provide a shelter. 158 00:09:33.756 --> 00:09:39.359 Today I have signed a new edition of the State Migration Policy 159 00:09:39.359 --> 00:09:42.153 Concept. It is aimed, among other things, 160 00:09:42.153 --> 00:09:46.401 at creating more comfortable conditions for our compatriots from abroad 161 00:09:46.401 --> 00:09:49.039 to move to Russia for permanent residence, 162 00:09:49.039 --> 00:09:53.808 as well as at creating clear rules for entry and entitlement 163 00:09:53.808 --> 00:09:57.569 to residence, work, and Russian citizenship. 164 00:09:57.569 --> 00:10:03.647 We have removed many problems and bureaucratic barriers in this sphere 165 00:10:03.647 --> 00:10:07.413 that our compatriots have rightly mentioned. 166 00:10:07.413 --> 00:10:11.607 In any case, I hope we have tried to remove them 167 00:10:11.607 --> 00:10:17.167 and de-bureaucratise the system. 168 00:10:17.167 --> 00:10:19.410 We still need to see how it works in practice. 169 00:10:19.410 --> 00:10:21.692 We will continue moving in this direction. 170 00:10:21.692 --> 00:10:23.631 Furthermore, we will continue to improve the state programme 171 00:10:23.631 --> 00:10:25.829 to facilitate the voluntary resettlement of compatriots living abroad 172 00:10:25.829 --> 00:10:26.399 to the Russian Federation. 173 00:10:26.399 --> 00:10:28.996 Allow me to note that about 800, 174 00:10:28.996 --> 00:10:34.678 000 people have moved to 66 Russian regions in the past 12 years that 175 00:10:34.678 --> 00:10:37.275 the programme has been in force. 176 00:10:37.275 --> 00:10:39.493 We can see that in recent months, 177 00:10:39.493 --> 00:10:42.004 the number of people wishing to return to their homeland 178 00:10:42.004 --> 00:10:45.387 has been growing. We will continue to facilitate the process 179 00:10:45.387 --> 00:10:47.446 of adaptation, to simplify procedures, 180 00:10:47.446 --> 00:10:51.443 together with regional and local authorities, businesses, 181 00:10:51.443 --> 00:10:56.072 and public associations, to work on improving the quality of life 182 00:10:56.072 --> 00:10:59.298 of displaced persons, to create jobs for them, 183 00:10:59.298 --> 00:11:00.995 and to improve the conditions for doing business. 184 00:11:00.995 --> 00:11:05.532 I know first-hand that there are still many problems here. 185 00:11:05.532 --> 00:11:09.605 We will analyse these problems together and get rid of them. 186 00:11:09.605 --> 00:11:10.851 Friends, 187 00:11:10.851 --> 00:11:16.349 In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that we genuinely want you 188 00:11:16.349 --> 00:11:19.503 to be successful, prosperous and happy. 189 00:11:19.503 --> 00:11:21.852 And whichever country you live in, 190 00:11:21.852 --> 00:11:24.392 we are always ready to give you every possible support. 191 00:11:24.392 --> 00:11:29.574 We know that you are doing all you can to strengthen the Russian world, 192 00:11:29.574 --> 00:11:33.300 and to establish a constructive dialogue between countries. 193 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:36.695 I would like to assure you that this is our common goal. 194 00:11:36.695 --> 00:11:41.299 I would like to wish the Congress participants fruitful 195 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:44.137 work and interesting discussions. All the best to you and your families. 196 00:11:44.137 --> 00:11:48.040 Thank you.