Vladimir Putin met with organizers and staff of the RUSSIA EXPO
President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the
organizers, staff and representatives of the participants of the International
RUSSIA EXPO. The Head of State
visited it on its final day, July 8.
During the
meeting, he thanked the Exposition team and its participants for their work and
noted the enormous interest it generated among the country's residents - 18.5
million people visited it. Meanwhile, after the Exposition's extension on April
12, 7.5 million people attended.
"We
have a lot to show, and we have a lot to be proud of. But that's not all. It's
also important to present it beautifully and skillfully. And you have succeeded
in this. Thank you very much," Vladimir Putin addressed the meeting
participants.
Now,
conditions must be created to showcase what the country is doing, what it lives
by, and what it achieves. In this regard, a decision was made to establish the
Russia National Centre with branches in the regions.
"It
should be - I would like it to be as vibrant as you have managed to do it here.
In this context, I very much rely on the team you have formed to be involved in
continuing this joint work. Someone here [among the attendees] said: we have
things to protect. And this is very important. It is very important to feel
this ourselves, to show it to our country and to all our well-wishers - and
they are the majority in the world - what we can achieve and what we are
achieving thanks to the hard work and talent of our people," noted
Vladimir Putin.
During the
meeting, representatives from regions, federal executive bodies, media and
Exposition staff highlighted the platform's impact on the country's life.
Specifically, they noted that the unique platform for dialogue and exchange of
experiences that elevated interactions among regions, authorities and the
population to a new level was created here. Additionally, they underscored the
Exposition’s positive influence on youth.
"The
RUSSIA EXPO is an unprecedented event globally in terms of duration, content
and the number of events. It has already been visited by 18.5 million people.
We are grateful to you for extending the Exposition: people were very pleased
about this. We conducted social surveys, and 99% of our guests, after visiting
the stands and exhibits, say: 'We feel proud of our country!' And 98%
confidently look towards their future, because they live in the most advanced
country in the world," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the
RUSSIA EXPO.
On July 1,
President Vladimir Putin signed an order to establish the Russia National
Centre to preserve the Exposition’s legacy and showcase the country's
achievements. Alexander Molchanov, Head of the "Legacy" contour at
the ANO «DEA "Russia"», invited President Vladimir Putin to a science
fiction symposium "Creating the Future" proposed to be held within
the National Centre.
"We
have indeed begun to dream about what the National Centre should be like. When
Natalia Sergeyevna and I conducted a series of screenings of Soviet science
fiction films in this hall, many young people watched films like
'Moscow-Cassiopeia', 'Through Thorns to the Stars', 'Planet of Storms' for the
first time. The last film from 1961 was recognized as groundbreaking worldwide.
Within the framework of the National Centre's first project, we would like to
once again start inventing the future. We invite you to the International
Science Fiction Symposium 'Creating the Future'. Thank you," said
Alexander Molchanov.
Rifat
Yumaev, Head of the Flow Management contour, described the work at the
Exposition as a grandiose experience.
"At
this Exposition, we had an incredible experience managing a flow of 18.5
million people — something unbelievable. But working with such bright, open,
amazing visitors was very easy for us, and it seemed like everything was
manageable. People came to us in extreme cold, rain and heat with their whole
families, singing songs, dancing, and even reading poems by great Russian poets
together with our volunteers while standing in queues. Throughout this
extensive period of the Exposition, we have not encountered a single instance
where someone wanted to spoil any exhibit. I believe this is a unique indicator
because it reflects the reverence and warm attitude people have towards the
achievements of our great country," Rifat Yumaev said.
Earlier,
the Head of State visited the Exposition four times. On December 4, he
acquainted himself with the exposition "First in Russia — Land of
Opportunity". On December 17, the President inspected the stands of
regions in Pavilion No. 75. On January 23, Vladimir Putin launched the Year of
the Family in Russia at the RUSSIA EXPO. On February 1, Vladimir Putin met with
participants of the Movement of the First Congress.
The
International RUSSIA EXPO showcased the country's most significant achievements
gathered at a single venue. Throughout the Exposition, guests enjoyed cultural
events, a rich business program and educational activities. Expositions from 89
regions of Russia, leading federal agencies, corporations and public
organizations were presented to visitors.
