The message reads, in part:
"The International Banking Congress is considered one of the most significant events for the banking community in Russia and in the world.
Each year for the past two decades, leading financial specialists, experts, analysts, as well as government officials and representatives of public organisations have come to St. Petersburg to discuss issues facing Russia's banking sector and to build relations of international partnership and cooperation.
I would like to emphasise that this year's theme, Banks: Modernisation, Innovation, and Investment is extremely important and timely. It is very much in keeping with our priorities for development in the national credit and financial sector and it reflects an increasing safety, as well as the emergence of a modern banking services market in Russia.
I am confident that the recommendations made at the congress will help resolve the pressing issues in Russia's banking sector, and will increase the competitiveness of Russian banks and strengthen their credibility with customers and foreign investors."