Welcome speech by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed to participants and guests at the III International Congress of Russian Speaking Broadcasters

I would like to cordially welcome participants and guests to the III International Congress of Russian Speaking Broadcasters.

Your forum has established itself as a much sought after arena in the information space of the Russian world. The fact that it is being held for the third time stresses the weighty role of Russian-speaking radio stations in the promotion of an objective image of our country, familiarisation of their audience with our richest historical and cultural heritage, and information on what makes Russia tick today.

We highly value the contribution of those who gathered in Moscow, to the unity of the Russian diaspora abroad, the preservation of the national identity of our compatriots, who live in different corners of the world by a twist of fate, but continue to feel that they are part of our joint homeland, its traditions and its values.

I wish you fruitful work and all the best.

SERGEY LAVROV

Moscow, 26 October 2013