United Cultures Forum

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to welcome to St Petersburg the participants and guests of the International United Cultures Forum.

On this occasion, it is being held under the motto "United Cultures, Common Values." This concept - and its underlying meaning - resonates with the history of our Northern Capital and with the themes of the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, which we are observing this year.

The architecture of St Petersburg, its museums and theatres, its avenues and public gardens reflect the ability of culture to interweave harmoniously and enrich the most diverse traditions, worldviews and creative schools, while the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia underscores, reaffirms and proclaims the enduring value of diversity and accord.

Our country has historically developed as a space for interaction among peoples, languages and customs. For us, unity is not uniformity but cohesion, built on the careful and distinctive development of every people and every ethnic group.

To be continued.