Greetings to participants and organisers of the 2025 International Silk Way Rally

The message reads, in part:

"I would like to welcome you in Irkutsk where the International Silk Way Rally, one of the most difficult auto races in the world, kicks off in an impressive setting.

Participants and pilots will cover a difficult route measuring thousands of kilometres via the Siberian taiga, Mongolian deserts and steppes, and the Altai mountains.

I am confident that athletes from Russia and foreign countries, experienced professionals and talented youth will display team cohesion, a winning spirit, camaraderie and mutual assistance. And, of course, the competitions which have become quite prestigious in the past few years will help strengthen friendly and partner-like contacts and will promote international cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as exchange professional experience in the automotive industry and high-tech development projects."