The plenary meeting of the XII World Russian Press Congress began with an introductory speech by Sofa Landver, Israeli Minister of Immigration Absorption. She noted that the press representatives from 50 countries had come to Israel for this event, which is taking place in the year of the 65th anniversary of victory in WWII. And this is very symbolic for Israel, where Russia’s great role in the war against fascism is understood and remembered.
She was followed by Vyacheslav Nikonov, Executive Director of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, who spoke about the mission and aims of the organization. He emphasized that today there are 53 Russian Centers functioning around the world that have been opened by the foundation, and a Russky Mir social network will soon be launched.
Nikonov noted that Russkiy Mir should be understood as the community of people throughout the planet that expresses interest in Russian language and Russian culture. “It is time to gather not stones but people, the people that represent this great civilization – Russkiy Mir,” he said. “After all, Russkiy Mir is not only remembrances of the past; it is also a dream about the future. About the future of a great civilization that can live in harmony with itself and with others; one that bears with it the ideals of justice, consciousness and kindness.”
Later in the day it was announced that the next congress would take place in Odessa, Ukraine.
