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Mr Putin’s telegram said, in part:

“Your conference is dedicated to the 1654 Council of Pereyaslav, a landmark in Russian-Ukrainian relations. Its decisions determined joint Russian-Ukrainian development for centuries ahead and strengthened both countries’ defence and economy. The 350th anniversary of the Council of Pereyaslav symbolically coincides with the Year of Russia in Ukraine.

The jubilee reminds us once again of the two fraternal nations’ destinies, intertwined for centuries, about victories we won together, and trials and tribulations we shared. Last but not least, it reminds us about our precious heritage—the traditions of neighbourly respect.

I am sure that historians will contribute to the cause of Russian-Ukrainian friendly confidence as the present and future of our partnership and our nations’ mutual sympathy largely depend on the knowledge and understanding of the past we share.”