Russia will always protect fellow countrymen abroad, including in Yemen, Libya and Syria, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

Russia will always protect fellow countrymen abroad, including in Yemen, Libya and Syria, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"People who are not in Russia due to various reasons should be firmly sure: we will always protect your interests," Putin told the fifth World Congress of Compatriots in Moscow.

"Moreover, in difficult and crisis situations, such as in Libya, Syria or Yemen," the Russian leader said.

Putin stressed that safeguarding compatriots from any discrimination remains Russia’s key task. The president explained that this concerns the key rights such as studying the native language and preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

Russia will continue implementing the state program assisting the relocation of compatriots to the motherland, Putin said, adding that more than 367,000 people, including 130,000 from Ukraine, have moved to Russia under this program.

"We remain close to each other indeed. I am sure that wherever you are, the historic motherland will always remain a secure foothold for you," Putin told the participants of the congress.