Putin's Proposals on Supporting Russian NGOs Crucial - St. Andrew Foundation

The proposals of Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at supporting Russian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are very important and timely, Alexander Gatilin, a spokesman for St. Andrew Foundation, a Russian NGO established in 2013 in order to study and preserve the national legacy both inside the country and abroad, told Sputnik Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Putin stressed in his annual Federal Assembly address the importance of supporting activities of various NGOs and volunteer movements operating in Russia, and charged with this task Russia's civic chamber and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives.

"We believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed very important and timely measures aimed at improving the efficiency of cooperation between the authorities and non-profit organizations," Gatilin said.

He added that the president's recommendations will allow many NGOs to reach a new level of cooperation with federal, regional and municipal authorities.

"Just yesterday we held a meeting with our colleagues at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. At the meeting we have discussed the issue of volunteers," Gatilin said.

The spokesman also noted that under the framework of the "Sanctity of Motherhood", the foundation has implemented the "School of social action," a project aimed at developing NGOs' young leaders' skills.

According to Gatilin, every year, in cooperation with regional authorities, universities and non-governmental organizations the foundation is holding four to five such seminars.