Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Russian Jews on Passover holiday.

Dmitry Medvedev chaired in Ufa a meeting of the State Council Presidium on measures to strengthen interethnic harmony and develop Russia’s diverse national cultures.

Strengthening interethnic unity was the subject of discussion. Dmitry Medvedev stressed that educational work has a big part to play in preventing interethnic conflicts and should be pursued more actively throughout the country.

Dmitry Medvedev met with participants of the Bishops’ Council being held in Moscow on February 2–4, 2011.

Dmitry Medvedev met with speakers of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly, their deputies and heads of key committees in the Council of Federation and State Duma. This meeting format is to become regular.

Opening a frank exchange of views on ensuring interethnic harmony, the President stressed it is absolutely vital for Russia’s future, development, and survival as a nation.

Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Muslims of Russia on the occasion of the main Islamic holiday, Kurban Bairam.

The President of Russia awarded the Patriarch the Order of Friendship.