Greetings to the 8th World Congress of Compatriots Living Abroad

The message reads, in part:

"Russia is steadfastly intensifying its endeavours to support foreign compatriots. Most recently, the opportunities for restoring and acquiring Russian citizenship have been significantly expanded. The mechanisms of the State Voluntary Resettlement Programme, under which more than 1.2 million individuals have already entered our country, are being continuously enhanced. The Foundation for Supporting and Protecting the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad allocates additional resources to those in need of legal assistance.

I am pleased to acknowledge that, despite the formidable challenges and harassment faced today in the West by citizens who uphold spiritual ties with Russia and share our moral values, over 400 representatives of Russian communities from more than a hundred nations have assembled at this Congress. Naturally, for delegates residing in unfriendly countries, travelling to Moscow to participate in this event demanded personal courage. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to those who, even under the most challenging circumstances, persist in actively defending the international standing of Russian culture and the Russian language.

I am confident that during the Congress, you will not only deliberate on the issues confronting Russian communities abroad today, but also propose new ideas and initiatives that will serve to consolidate the vast Russian world and realise its immense creative potential."