Participating states discussed the development of the Russian language at the Ministerial Conference in Moscow

The First Ministerial Conference of the International Organization for the Russian Language, established under an agreement signed by the Presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, was held in Moscow.

Opening the conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov noted the importance of the joint efforts of the participating states to develop and strengthen the international position of the Russian language.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, also addressed the event participants. In his message, he stressed that knowledge of the Russian language opens access to the rich heritage of world culture and science and expands opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in economic, humanitarian, and other fields. According to him, cooperation in this area is based on the principles of mutual respect and good neighborliness, which serve the interests of the peoples of the countries united by a common history and cultural and spiritual values.

The conference was attended by heads of educational and foreign policy departments of the Organization’s Member States.

Following the meeting, the documents necessary to begin the Organization’s full-fledged work and to form its Secretariat were signed. The participants also elected the Secretary-General and his Deputy and discussed key areas for further activity and prospects for the Organization’s development.

Aziza Alimova, UzA