Languages

More state support to Russian-language press

Dmitrii Medvedev (5-tv.ru)

Russian authorities are ready to step up state support to the Russian-language press abroad, and especially the electronic media, Russian President Dmitrii Medvedev told the participants at yesterday’s World Congress of the Russian Press.

Location

The president said that more than 300 million people from more than 80 countries read the Russian-language press. More than 1000 printed and electronic Russian-language media companies exist outside of Russia

Press freedom

He also reiterated that he will work hard for the construction of a “free and responsible society”, as well as for human rights, freedom of the press, freedom of speech and for the rule of the law.

State support

Also Prime Minister Vladimir Putin participated in the World Congress. In his speech he highlighted the important role of the Russian-language press abroad.

-We intend to give all kind of support to the Russian-language press, Mr. Putin said, adding that the government will continue to respect the media’a right for independence. He also underlined that the Russian media abroad will be free to make independent comments on developments in Russia.

Putin also told the journalists and media representatives that the international interest in Russia is on the increase. –Russia is today among the biggest newsmakers in the world, he underlined.

Representatives of Russian-language media institutions and companies from more than 65 countries participated in the congress.

Read the speech of President Medvedev at Kremlin.ru

Read the speech of PM Putin at Government.ru