MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The United Cultures Forum is rightly regarded as an important event in Russia’s and the world’s cultural life, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an address to participants, organizers and guests of the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

"Over the previous years, the forum has gained considerable prestige as it united prominent authors, artists, artisans and experts from numerous countries and is today rightfully considered a significant event in the cultural life in Russia and globally," Putin’s telegram released on the Kremlin website reads.

The theme of this year’s forum, titled "United Cultures, Common Values," is especially meaningful as culture has always served as a reliable foundation for mutual understanding between people and nations, helping preserve historical memory and pass spiritual and moral guidelines from generation to generation, Putin emphasized.

The Russian head of state expressed confidence that the forum will be held in a constructive and creative atmosphere and will help strengthen international humanitarian cooperation and launch new promising joint projects while wishing the event fruitful work, every success and all the best.