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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, let me welcome you to Moscow once again.

It makes me very happy that the World Olympians Association decided to hold this forum here in Moscow. Let me say again that we fully share the Olympic values and are ready to do everything we can to support the Olympic movement.

President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach (retranslated): Mr President, thank you very much for the warm reception that you are once again giving me in Moscow.

It is a particular pleasure to come here again, this time to take part in the World Olympians Forum and meet with Olympic champions from 120 countries. This wonderful event is an initiative of the World Olympians Association with support from the Russian Olympic Committee, and we can say already that the event is a big success.

The athletes have given me the Declaration, which underscores the Olympic Charter’s values and opposes discrimination in all forms.

The Declaration also stresses sport’s autonomy and makes a resolute protest against all boycotts of sports events. Of course, the International Olympic Committee is happy to have support from Olympic champions from all around the world.

Thank you very much. I am very happy to be here in Moscow.

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