Official website of the President of Russia

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The message reads, in part:

“Your congress is rightly considered an outstanding, key event in the agenda of the global media community and the entire Russian-speaking world. It traditionally gathers heads and editors of Russian and foreign-published Russian-language publications, representatives of non-governmental organisations and of unions of creative professionals. The congress brings together people close to Russian language, interested in history and in Russia today, and who appreciate the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. And naturally, participating in the congress represents a great opportunity to have wide-ranging professional discussions and intimate exchanges about journalistic experiences.

It is highly symbolic that this year the World Russian Press Organisation is holding its congress in Belarus, in the famous cities of Minsk and Brest. It was in Belarusian territory that the enemy incurred great losses during these very June days 72 years ago now. The Belarusian nation and all nations of the USSR have undergone hard trials, have overcome them, and won the most brutal war of the 20th century. And the exploits of the defenders of Brest’s Fortress will forever remain one of the most heroic pages in the annals of the Great Patriotic War, a symbol of courage and indomitable will. Let me emphasise that preserving and honouring the holy memory of those years is our common duty and shared responsibility. And it is hard to overestimate the media’s role in providing objective coverage of events and opposing any attempts to distort historical facts.”