Official website of the President of Russia

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The message reads, in part:

“You truly have a great deal to be proud of. In the old days, the Smolensk land secured Russia’s western boundaries, and served as an outpost blocking the way to Moscow. That said, Smolensk Region is not just about military exploits. This is where many outstanding writers and poets, commanders and statesmen were born and raised. This is the home region of the world’s first cosmonaut Yury Gagarin. Their feats and achievements are a worthy example of civic duty and the unwavering commitment to serving their Fatherland.

It is important that you honour the region’s history and the memory of your fathers and grandfathers. You must take real action and initiative to promote the region’s socioeconomic development and deliver on the infrastructure development objectives it faces.”