Recent economic and political crises demand fresh ideas on how to overcome the impasses and divergences that characterize the difficult process of forming a new system of international relations. It is my sincere belief that the Valdai International Discussion Club is a platform that generates precisely these kinds of ideas.

       Distinguished Members of the Valdai International Discussion Club,

       I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. May 2014 be a year of productive work, innovative and exciting ideas, and constructive discussions.

       The problems facing today’s world are growing ever more complex, and there are no simple solutions. Recent economic and political crises demand fresh ideas on how to overcome the impasses and divergences that characterize the difficult process of forming a new system of international relations.

       It is my sincere belief that the Valdai International Discussion Club is a platform that generates precisely these kinds of ideas. Its unique potential comes from its members – leading experts with diverse perspectives, representing different countries and continents, brought together by a shared mission of making our world better and more predictable. Together they create the “Valdai spirit” – a spirit of open discussion and respect for all points of view.

       Last year, the Valdai Club turned 10. I would like to thank all Members of the Club, as well as my colleague, Svetlana Mironyuk, for 10 years of important and exciting work. I am confident that together we will be able to keep the Club going and its traditions alive, and to help it evolve as a global “think tank” for the sake of peace and prosperity.

       I look forward to our future meetings at the Valdai Club!

       Dmitry Kiselev

       Director General

       Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.