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Mr Putin said Russia was interested in attracting its compatriots living abroad by economic and cultural means. He emphasised the need to promote relations between Russian authorities, business circles and artists with their compatriots living abroad. He also stressed that the compatriots should have equal rights with the citizens of the countries they live in. Russia should take measures to ensure it.

The President also noted that the state should respond to the closing of Russian-language schools and newspapers in foreign countries, and spoke for the development of electronic communications with compatriots and promoting Russian-language literature and textbooks.

Mr Putin proposed to establish a single organisation which would deal with compatriots’ problems, instead of many institutions that duplicate each other’s work.

He called on Russian business circles to actively develop relations with compatriot businessmen, which would encourage Russia’s integration in the world economy.

In his speech, Mr Putin also spoke about the need to fight against illegal migration.

About 600 Russians from 47 countries in CIS and other countries gathered to take part in the meting. Over the course of two days, they will discuss issues related to the protection of the rights of Russians living abroad.