Putin continues to hammer away at the growing divide between the West's radical elites and the more sensible views of the public.

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Speaking at the annual Valdai Club meeting, Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia and conservative West share common values which creates a sound basis for dialogue.

A video of Vladimir Putin's speech and Q&A session (in Russian).

In the current conditions of intense conflict, let me make it very clear. As an independent civilization, Russia has never considered itself an enemy of the West. …

But we need to realize that there are two Wests – at least two and maybe more – the West of traditional, primarily Christian values, freedom, patriotism, great culture and now Islamic values, too, since now in many Western countries large groups of population are Muslim. This West is in some ways close to us, we have common ancient roots.

Yet, there is also a different West – aggressive, cosmopolitan, and neo-colonial – acting as a tool of neo liberal elites. It is natural, that Russia will never accept the dictate of this West….

In his speech and a Q&A session that followed, Putin repeatedly stressed, that the West is bound to engage in a dialogue with other centers of power.

You know, I have always believed in the power of common sense. Therefore, I am convinced that sooner or later, both the new centers of the multipolar international order and the West will have to start a dialogue on an equal footing about a common future for all of us, and the sooner the better, of course.  

Putin indicated that it is traditional values that come as a basis for the development of relations between Russia and the West.

Development should rely on a dialogue between civilizations and spiritual and moral values. Indeed, the understanding of what humans and their nature is all about, can vary across different civilizations, but this difference is often superficial. Everyone recognizes the ultimate dignity and spiritual essence of people. A common foundation on which we can and must build our future is critically important.

If the Western elites believe they can have their people and their societies embrace what I believe are strange and trendy ideas like dozens of genders or gay pride parades, so be it. Let them do as they please. But they certainly have no right to tell others to follow in their steps.

We see the complicated demographic, political and social processes in Western countries. This is, of course, their own business. Russia does not interfere in such matters and has no intention of doing so. Unlike the West, we mind our own business. But we are hoping that pragmatism will triumph and Russia’s dialogue with the genuine, traditional West, as well as with other development centers, will become a major contribution to the construction of a multipolar world order.

The conference was attended by 111 experts from more than 40 countries 

The President pointed out, that the majority of the world population accept and share Russia’s approach to moral values - the traditional societies in the East, Latin America, Africa, and Eurasia form the basis of world civilization.

We have many friends. We do not need to impose anything on anyone. It is just that many people – politicians and ordinary citizens – are tired of living under external dictate.

…There are Russian flags in European countries and in the United States, too, we have many supporters there. A large proportion of the US population adhere to traditional values, and they are with us, we know this.

Vladimir Putin spoke on the closing day of the Valdai International Discussion Club 19th conference, themed “A Post-Hegemonic World: Justice and Security for Everyone”.

The four day-long forum was attended by 111 experts, politicians, diplomats and economists from Russia and 40 other countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkey, the United States, and Uzbekistan, to name a few.  

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