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The International RUSSIA EXPO Exhibition and Forum was held from November 4, 2023 to July 8, 2024 at VDNKh exhibition centre. It was visited by 18.5 million people throughout this time. On July 1, the President signed a directive establishing the Russia National Centre and its regional branches as continuation of the RUSSIA EXPO in order to demonstrate the country’s achievements and strengthen national identity.

The meeting participants noted that this format also serves to create a platform for effective cooperation and an informal dialogue between Russian regions, as well as their communication with federal authorities. Governor of the Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov told the President his region was ready to be the pilot region and open the first such branch.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ms Virtuozova, friends.

The exhibition ran for eight months and attracted 18.5 million visitors, highlighting the immense interest in the event. We extended it by several months, and during the extended period alone, about 7.5 million people attended. Participants noted significant international interest, with delegations from 120 countries visiting and touring the exhibition.

What I want to convey is that we have much to showcase and be proud of. However, it is equally important to present it in a beautiful and talented manner. And you accomplished that wonderfully. Thank you very much.

Of course, it is essential to create conditions that make it possible to show the core of our country’s achievements and lifestyle. That is why we have agreed to establish a National Centre at the Expo site, as mentioned here. This decision is final. Mr Vladimirov (addressing Stavropol Territory Governor Vladimir Vladimirov), as you suggested, we will implement similar initiatives in various regions across the Russian Federation.

It should be as impressive and vibrant as your work here. In this regard, I sincerely hope that the team you have assembled will continue to be involved in this joint effort.

Somebody here said that we have things worth defending, and that is crucial. It is important that we feel this way ourselves and show to both to our own country and to all the people who wish us well − who make up the majority of the world's population − what we can achieve and what we do achieve thanks to the hard work and talent of our people.

Thank you very much.