catherine's forum from different parts of the globe . the forum was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of two important historical documents, the highest manifestos of catherine ii, on the annexation of crimea, taman and kuban to russia and about inviting foreigners to settle in our country. both have been around for more than two centuries; initially they were not interconnected, but as history has shown, they turned out to be complementary. the catherine forum is being held for the first time, despite this, it brought together more than 600 participants from 35 countries. this is a clear illustration of the fact that today politicians and diplomats are increasingly turning to historical experience, because it is more relevant than ever. the reign of catherine the great was a time of rapid expansion of the borders of the russian empire, access to the black sea consolidation on the southern borders became a priority state task. russia has never professed colonial logic, russia has never historically been a colonialist,

the catherine forum is being held for the first time, despite this, it brought together more than 600ticipants from 35 countries. this is a clear illustration of the fact that today politicians and diplomats are increasingly turning to historical experience, because it is more relevant than ever. the reign of kacaterina the great was a time of rapid expansion of the borders of the russian empire, access to the black sea was secured to the south. borders has become a state task of paramount importance. in the 18th century between there were a series of wars between russia and the ottoman empire, but each time difficulties with communications and supply problems forced the russians to leave crimea. the situation was changed by the economic arrangement of the settlement of novorussia. russia has never professed colonial logic. russia has never historically been a colonialist, nor has russia ever. historically was not a colony, this is an amazing, unique combination. crimea, taman and kuban became part of the russian empire in april 1783, according to the manifesto of empress catherine ii