OREANDA-NEWS. March 25, 2009. “Throughout the many centuries of our history, Russia’s culture has always been one of the greatest values helping to shape our people’s national identity”, the President said in his message. “Our culture rests on humanist ideals that strengthen our society and enrich its moral and spiritual life. Those who devote their lives to the service of culture not only create beauty, but carry out a noble educational mission.

Preserving and building on the cultural heritage of all of our country’s peoples is a priority of national importance. It is extremely important today to raise our young people in a spirit of love and respect for their culture, ensure that all of our citizens have equal access to its riches, and look for new ways of popularising our great cultural traditions. 

I am sure that your professionalism, creativity and selfless labour will continue to have the most beneficial influence on forming our society’s moral and spiritual references”.