Vartan Toganyan

Chairman of Board of Directors, President "Eurasian Media Group" Russia

Dear ladies and gentlemen!
I am really happy to address this meeting of distinguished media professionals, participants and guests of the Eurasian Media Forum. The Forum had become a tradition, thanks to the efforts of the organizers. It is now a remarkable and very important event. The forum's significance is defined not only by the opportunity it gives to discuss media issues, but also by the fact that it has become a truly international undertaking that supports dialogue between cultures.

The third forum is taking place at a time when international relations are going through a difficult phase and require close scrutiny, especially by the media. It is the latter's responsibility to enhance the dialogue between cultures and civilizations.

The press and mass media have always played a significant role in strengthening international and interregional bonds, expanding economic and cultural cooperation, and propagating universal human values. I hope that the conference participants will benefit from the ability of modern communication technology to further information exchange, achieve broader cooperation, and collectively combat all threats and challenges to the international community's efforts to unite different peoples and cultures.

Let me once again greet all participants, especially those of you who took the effort to make this forum happen. I wish you all clarity of thought, tolerance towards differing opinions, and generosity - all so characteristic of the Eurasians. I wish the best of luck to the third Eurasian Media Forum, such a grand undertaking.