Vladimir Putin's opening address:

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to apologize for distracting you from more important things than listening to speeches. Nevertheless, I feel I have to say a few words on this occasion which has brought you all to Moscow.

I would like to welcome all the participants and guests to the 10th Forum of the Russian Press. Gathered in this hall, as I have just been told, are our guests from more than 65 countries. Of course, you have diverse views. You have different views on various events in the world and in this country. Yet there is something that unites us all: Your affiliation with the unique media community, which is not based on ideology or politics, or even nationality. It is based on something far more important, and it is none other than the great Russian culture, the great Russian language, Russian speech.

Over 3,000 newspapers, magazines, TV and radio companies on the planet speak Russian. Your permanent audience runs into millions of people. In a world saturated with information these people look to your opinion and your analysis of events.

They choose your information because of your thoughtful and independent assessments. Because they can learn more about Russia, preserve their native language and pass it on to their children. And sometimes they can receive immediate aid and support, uphold their rights and human dignity.

It is to a large extent thanks to the Russian-speaking media that our fellow countrymen who live far away from Russia do not feel separated from their homeland.

The diverse and multifaceted Russian world would be unimaginable without the information space that you have created. We are all equally interested to see this space bring people together rather than separate them, promote the dialogue of civilisations, the development of educational, cultural and economic ties, work to strengthen confidence between countries and peoples, and create an objective image of Russia in the world.

The Congress will have various discussion groups devoted to many of these issues. The Russky Mir Fund and the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund of the CIS are directly involved. I know that these groups are ready to render financial and informational support. You have a truly inexhaustible field for cooperation: from organising master classes for young journalists to large media forums, from participation in the holding of national years to the preservation of our common cultural heritage and, of course, the Russian language.

The Russian Diaspora is one of the largest in the world. It is unique in that it is open to people of different nationalities. It is as open as our homeland, Russia. All this diversity of religions, ethnic groups and traditions is united by the Russian language. The greater your influence the greater its role in global politics, economy and the social sphere.

We are committed to rendering every support to the Russian language press, while scrupulously respecting the right to independence, including in assessing the events taking place in this country. And of course, without violating the law and the sovereignty of the states in which you work.

Interest in Russia, its achievements and large-scale strategic plans is undoubtedly growing throughout the world. I am sure you are aware of it. Our country has lodged a stake as a major, global economic player. It determines the main items on the global agenda. Russia is among the main newsmakers in the modern world. I am sure it offers a serious chance for the whole big "family" of Russian-language media, a chance to occupy a worthy place in the global information space.

To this end, the Russian language press must become a generator of new ideas, discussions on the most topical issues of world development. Besides, you have a unique opportunity to emerge as the supplier of "front-page" exclusive news, above all, of course, news from Russia and about Russia, from the Commonwealth of Independent States. And then, I am sure, references to your publications will be a token of recognition of your high professional standard.

I am glad that this Forum is taking place on the eve of Russia Day, our national holiday. I wish you success and I congratulate you all.

I wish you all the best.