Prime Minister Vladimir Putin congratulated Novgorod on its 1150th anniversary
His message reads, in part:
"As one of the oldest Russian cities, Novgorod is rightly glorified in our history for the significant part it has played in the creation of the Russian national identity. It was in Novgorod that the Russian tradition of civic spirit arose, and the cultural, moral and spiritual heritage of the Russian nation took form, a heritage that brought military victory and unique architectural masterpieces.
"Through the centuries, generations of Novgorodians have made inestimable contributions to Russian industry, education, science and culture. Novgorodians have borne years of suffering with honour, literally rebuilding their beautiful city from the ashes of World War II.
"Today, Novgorod is regaining its historic role as a great crossroads between regions and nations, and is now a great tourist destination as the pearl of north-western Russia."
