Russia will become a “new ark” for Europe and the entire world. The role of our country in the current political agenda was discussed in Moscow at the international Catherine II Forum, as reported by OTR.
Dozens of meetings, discussions, and plenary sessions were dedicated to examining parallels between the present and the past—specifically, the time when Catherine II’s supreme manifestos were signed, including the one inviting foreigners to Russia. Today, despite unprecedented external pressure, there is no need to specially invite foreign specialists; they themselves wish to relocate to our country. According to the forum organisers, Russia offers everything necessary for a comfortable and stable life.
Konstantin Matis, President of the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Russian Germans: “Russia as an ark of spiritual and moral values is highly attractive to people who are now moving here. In the past, people relocated to Russia for material benefits, money, or support from Catherine, whereas today they move because they seek a spiritual kinship, wishing to live where people share similar spiritual and moral values”.
Maria Shakhova, journalist, author of the “We and They” project, forum moderator: “Some fall in love with our women, others simply find Russian culture to their liking, appreciate the absence of propaganda for non-traditional values—so the reasons are varied. Some are even enamoured with the cold; such people exist too. They don’t like the heat and come to our Siberia. We need to provide them with the opportunity to obtain a visa, a residence permit. As simply as possible”.
In total, over 600 people participated in the forum, organised by the Assembly of Peoples of Russia, with every sixth participant representing countries from the near and far abroad. The extensive programme concluded with the results ceremony for the international “Leader of People’s Diplomacy” competition. Diplomas were awarded to the authors of the thirty best ideas for fostering closer ties between nations.