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Addressing representatives from foreign Russian-language media, Sergei Ivanov thanked them for their enormous contribution to spreading Russian culture and supporting the Russian language throughout the world. At the same time, Mr Ivanov drew congress participants’ attention to the lack of desire by the authorities to achieve a uniform editorial policy in the Russian-language press, emphasising that objectivity in presenting information and attempts to deliver a one’s point of view to readers are of greatest importance; that is precisely what determines the quality of a journalist’s work. Attempts to influence the freedom of speech or the freedom of the press in any way are unacceptable.

Responding to participants’ questions, the Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office mentioned the persistent attempts to rehabilitate Nazism and nationalism in certain European nations, noting that the vaccination the global civilization received during the Nuremberg Trials has weakened. According to Mr Ivanov, the only way to counteract this trend is to provide truthful, objective coverage of events – including historical events – by journalists.

Speaking about Background information Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) the Eurasian Economic Union, Sergei Ivanov expressed confidence that the majority of the population in its member states support it, while calling the construction of Eurasian Economic Union a lengthy process and stressing that, compared to the EU, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are still at the early stages.

In addition, the conversation between Mr Ivanov and media representatives touched on the topic of hosting the 2018 Football World Cup. Sergei Ivanov stated that the sporting event will be held in Russia, despite the arrest of FIFA officials. The vote was held, and there are no reasons to cancel the match, he stressed.