He pointed out that cultural variety represented wealth and property of the country.
Vladimir Putin also indicated that 10 years ago Russia entered the important development stage - transition towards democracy. In many European countries such transition, in his opinion was painful because, among others, of inter-confessional and inter-ethnical problems.
The President pointed out that the census carried out in Russia demonstrated that the number of ethnic entities increased in the country. Vladimir Putin stated that "it didn't mean that their number grew, simply people were not shy to state their religious and ethnic affiliation and that was the result of the process of democratization of the society." The head of the state also drew attention to the influence exercised by public organizations on preservation of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace. While addressing representatives of public organizations who attended the meeting the President stated that "people were watching what they were doing and were confident in them." Vladimir Putin mentioned Chuvashia as an example of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace. The President declared that "they were doing everything possible for people to cultivate their religious beliefs and not only be proud of their culture but to develop it."
