MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia believes it is necessary to increase support for national sports, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

"We also believe in the importance of doing more to support national sports disciplines. These are spectacular and unique competitions and an important aspect of human heritage," Putin stated in his message to all participants and guests of the 14th Russia: Country of Sports international sports forum in Krasnoyarsk.

"These sports are a tool for nurturing and developing a sense of patriotism and respect towards other cultures, which means strengthening mutual understanding at the people-to-people level," he noted.

The 14th Russia: Country of Sports annual international sports forum is taking place in Russia’s second-largest Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk on October 21-23 with the support of the Russian government and the Sports Ministry. The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Krasnoyarsk Region government. TASS is the official information partner of the forum.

The annual forum was established in 2009 by a decree of the Russian president to promote physical culture and sport, international sports cooperation, and a healthy lifestyle.