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Opening the meeting, Magomedsalam Magomedov spoke about the current status of interethnic relations in the country. He noted that there is a high share of citizens who speak positively about them. Almost 80 percent of Russia’s citizens have no negative feelings towards other ethnicities.

At the same time, polls show that one in every five respondents thinks that a conflict on ethnic grounds is possible. The negative attitudes are largely due to the immigrant factor, as there have been many events involving foreign nationals that drew a strong public response and the topic is a widely discussed one.

Magomedsalam Magomedov encouraged all specialists, experts and public leaders to stay alert, be vigilant and to respond to incidents of this nature accordingly. “Qualifications and professional competence are of key importance. It is one of the essential goals under the State Ethnic Policy Strategy,” the Deputy Chief of Staff said. “It is important that we intensify efforts and increase the efficiency of measures at all levels. The ethnic policy is primarily implemented locally,” he added.

The council presidium discussed improving the professional training of ethnic policy specialists, progress in implementing the President’s instructions concerning the registration and education of foreign national minors at Russian educational organisations, as well as preparations for a regular meeting of the Council for Interethnic Relations chaired by the President.

Taking part in the discussion were Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, Russian Minister of Labour and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, President of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Vladimir Mau, Head of the Public Administration Department at Lomonosov Moscow State University and State Duma deputy Vyacheslav Nikonov, representatives of competent ministries and members of the presidium.

The participants emphasised the importance of systematic and coordinated training and professional development of ethnic policy specialists, as well as the expeditious fulfilment of the President’s instructions concerning foreign national minors.

Corresponding decisions were made following the discussion.