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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on National Unity Day.

This holiday was established to commemorate a great feat by our people, who, over four centuries ago, rose up in defence of our Motherland’s independence. It was the profound unity, deep sense of responsibility, and devotion to our Fatherland demonstrated by those people that allowed us to strengthen the foundations of our statehood and defend our sacred right to remain true to our own roots and moral values.

And today, in keeping with these traditions, we defend the sovereignty, honour, and dignity of our homeland, Russia, through peaceful, creative, and military endeavours.

This unwavering devotion to our unity, rooted in common spiritual values, is championed by the World Russian People’s Council. The head of this authoritative public association, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, tirelessly promotes dialogue and cooperation between all constructive powers in Russia and among the Russian communities across the CIS and beyond.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Holiness for his immense contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation and congratulate him on being awarded this honorary prize.

Today, we honour the laureates who have received these awards over the past few years.

They include Natalya Virtuozova, Pavel Doroshenko and Alexei Zharich, a team of creators whose concerted efforts were instrumental in bringing to life the Russia International Exhibition and Forum – a project of unique scale and significance. It became a major event for millions, showcasing the vast spectrum of talents and achievements of our country.

Supporting ethnic and cultural diversity provides the foundation for mutual respect and harmony among the peoples of Russia. The Great Ethnographic Dictation is a wide-ranging international awareness campaign that fosters interest in the history, geography and traditions of the various regions of our vast country. This year, the prize for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation was awarded to its creators, Anna Gabdullina and Pavel Orlov.

The Presidential Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations also marks its 30^th anniversary this year. The Council members include the most influential religious figures in Russia who are involved in immense constructive work. Many of them will also receive well-deserved state decorations.

Colleagues,

Russia has many loyal friends. And today, on National Unity Day, we have remarkable representatives of the intellectual, creative and business circles from other countries present here.

Preservation and promotion of Russian culture are important areas of work for Italian scholar, journalist, political scientist and public figure Eliseo Bertolasi.

Chairman of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka Mr Weerasinghe is making a great contribution to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties with Russia.

Honorary Consul General of Russia Dr Ameen Safia contributes to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Russia and Israel.

For many years, prominent pianist and conductor Justus Frantz has been engaged in fruitful efforts to bring the cultures of Russia and Germany closer for the sake of mutual enrichment.

The leader of Vietnam’s largest agricultural holding, Ms Thai Huong, is implementing advanced agricultural projects in Russia. These initiatives ensure our countries’ food security and expand our strategic cooperation.

We are grateful to everybody who sees a reliable partner in Russia. We are always open to new mutually beneficial contacts, the development of multidimensional ties and mutual cultural enrichment.

Friends,

The value of our unity is indisputable. We know how to close ranks in the face of common tasks, global challenges and threats, and we also celebrate our victories, achievements and successes together.

Once again, happy National Unity Day! Congratulations on receiving the Presidential Prize and the prestigious state decorations.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you further success. Thank you.

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Vladimir Putin: Friends, colleagues,

Once again, please accept my warmest greetings on National Unity Day.

This is, of course, first and foremost a holiday for the citizens of Russia. It holds a special significance, not only because it commemorates the centuries-old events that preserved our country, but because today, the very concepts of unity and solidarity are once again synonymous with the preservation of our nation, our sovereignty, and our statehood. This is the fundamental meaning underpinning today’s events.

Here in this hall are people who have contributed immensely to this fundamental goal – the preservation of Russian statehood. I bow my head to you and thank you most sincerely.

Issues related to Russia’s great, multiethnic culture have also been frequently raised here. In this regard, I would like to note that the channels of cultural connections and the impulses emanating from Russia are undoubtedly aimed at fostering a similar atmosphere on the international stage, among the peoples on our planet, to unite us around shared values.

Therefore, I would like to emphasise that, despite all the difficulties, challenges, and tragedies of our time – and unfortunately, there are many – we, in Russia, will continue to send out precisely these impulses. For we strive for friendship and cooperation not only with our neighbours, but with all nations on Earth.

I am very grateful to our foreign friends who are here with us today. Your very presence strengthens our belief in this aspiration and in your readiness to work with us towards this common goal. Thank you.

Once again, congratulations to everyone on this national holiday and on your well-deserved decorations and prizes that have been presented today here in the Kremlin, in the heart of the Russian capital.

Thank you.