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Speaking in St George’s Hall in the Grand Kremlin Palace at the state reception devoted to National Unity Day, Vladimir Putin declared that on this holiday the citizens of Russia pay tribute to a centuries-old tradition of patriotism, harmony and unity.

Addressing Russians from the near abroad and overseas present at the reception, the head of state said that today’s Russia is open to all people who identify with its destiny. The President highly appreciates their aspirations to consolidate the Russian people around their historical Motherland, their desire to strengthen Russia’s authority, and to expand international contacts in the spheres of culture and education.

Vladimir Putin presented state awards to Russian language and literature teachers, philologists, academics, art critics, and publishers of Russian-language publications and emphasised the contribution they make towards making Russian language and culture known.