Transcript of Vladimir Putin’s speech:

Good afternoon, friends! Seyn baina! (a greeting in Buryat)

Today the Republic of Buryatia is beginning a series of large-scale celebrations dedicated to the 350^th anniversary of its voluntary accession into the Russian state. I am happy to be here on this important day and to congratulate the residents of this ethnically diverse republic. I would like to wish the best of luck and prosperity to this region, to the people who live and raise their children here.

Any anniversary is a meaningful event. But it is especially meaningful when it involves a major historical decision, a choice that determined the future of an entire ethnic group, which played a significant role in the development of the Russian state and its evolution into a vast and powerful country stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Without doubt, Buryatia’s voluntary accession had a major geopolitical impact. It strengthened Russia’s eastern borders and gave it a foothold in Asia. At the same time, it helped consolidate the Buryatian ethnic group and preserve its unique culture among other groups living in Russia. By accepting Russian citizenship, the Buryats also gained military protection along with the ability to preserve and develop their traditional culture, language and lifestyle.

It is symbolic that this melting pot of cultures and civilizations should form here in the heart of Eurasia; a friendship has emerged here based on genuine mutual understanding and trust, and a constructive interfaith dialogue.

I have just visited a local village where Russians and Buryats live; they talked to me about the atmosphere of goodwill and friendship that exists in the republic. It is greatly important for the region and for Russia as a whole.

Here in Buryatia, Russian peasant log houses have long coexisted with Buryat nomad yurts, and Orthodox churches were built next door to Buddhist monasteries, datsans. This harmony provided the foundation for the development of this beautiful land which has given Russia industrious, talented, sincere and open-hearted people.

Among your compatriots there are a lot of people who have promoted Russia’s prestige and glory in politics and public activity, military, academic work, culture and the arts.

And I certainly cannot forget to mention Buryatia’s contribution to Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, the solid industrial base it provided in the east, and the huge construction projects – two strategic transport arteries, the Trans-Siberian and BAM railways. These are pages of our shared history and something that Buryat people have every right to take pride in.

Russia is facing great challenges today. We need to make real economic and social breakthroughs, and most importantly, we need to improve the quality of life in every region of Russia. For that, each region needs to uncover its potential, to use every competitive advantage it might have.

We pay special attention in this respect to the Russian Far East and the Baikal area. We are working to develop the local economy, to improve social infrastructure, to develop science, education and culture, and promote integration of this vast region into a common economic, infrastructural and transport space of our huge country.

Buryatia is actively participating in this effort. We will provide further support to you, and use the resources of the federal budget and national development institutions to ensure an inflow of investment and technology, to set up innovation-based industries, and create effective jobs. In 2011 alone, Buryatia will receive a total of 6 billion roubles of investment into its economy, agriculture, infrastructure and social services as part of different federal targeted programmes; nearly 13 billion roubles will be invested in the republic in the period from 2011-2013. This support is bound to provide a forward momentum to the republic’s comprehensive development.

It is also important that the local authorities are working effectively, cooperating with businesses on new developments, implementing and promoting new projects. Last year, the republic secured direct investment exceeding 30 billion roubles.

In this regard, I would like express my gratitude to the republic’s government and its president. I must say that the government is acting very wisely and carefully, using local resources and federal support funds very sparingly. Great work. Thank you very much.

It is our common task to turn Siberia, the Far East, and the Baikal area into a leading investment centre. We need not just dynamic development, but rather accelerated development here.

You know that a direct investment fund for the development of the Far East and the Baikal region has been established by a government resolution. Vnesheconombank, one of Russia’s development institutions, is involved in the project. Major Russian and foreign financial institutions, banks and investment companies will be involved as partners. I know that Buryatia has already submitted for consideration 7 billion roubles worth of investment projects.

There are many ideas and initiatives. One of them is Baikal Harbour, a special economic zone focused on tourism. I am confident that Buryatia has everything it needs to break quickly into the national and international tourism market. Tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to visit Buryatia, enjoy the local nature, study its cultural heritage, and see the great lake, Baikal, and admire its unique beauty and majesty.

This anniversary is a perfect occasion to tell as many people as possible in Russia and worldwide about Buryatia, its achievements and the opportunities it offers. It also helps us focus our resources and efforts on dealing with the most important issues and priorities – the quality of life in the region, people’s comfort and well-being.

Our plan for the celebrations reflects these ideas and priorities. Over 7 billion roubles has been allocated for it. The money will be spent on the upkeep of local cultural heritage sites, on road construction, social infrastructure, sports and fitness facilities, schools and kindergartens.

Most of this work has been completed, including a modernisation of the Buryat State Opera and Ballet Theatre, where we are meeting today.

In conclusion, let me emphasise that our plans can only materialise through active cooperation from the government, businesses, and local authorities, and with support of the local people and their willingness to be involved.

That is why is it highly important that the celebrations promote people’s initiatives, their broad involvement in the development of their native region and of Russia.

Let me congratulate you all on this anniversary. I wish the best of luck to all residents of the republic. Accept my congratulations. Thank you.