The third Congress of the Moldovan Communities that will be held in Chisinau between October 12 and 14 will center on the celebration of 650 years of the foundation of the Moldovan state, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Vera Petuhova, the vice director of the Interethnic Relations Bureau, about 200 members of the public associations of Moldovans living abroad and of businesspeople from 16 countries will take part in the Congress. The Congress will be opened at the National Opera House on October 12. President Vladimir Voronin will deliver a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony. The conference “650 Years of the Foundation of the Moldovan State” will be held at the Palace of the Republic on October 13. It will be attended by scientists from Moldova and representatives of Moldovan communities. The delegates to the Congress will participate in meetings that will be held at ministries. A festival of the Moldovan Community will be held for the first time. Folk groups, singers and craftsmen from countries that are home to Moldovans will take part in the event. On October 14, the Congress participants will visit monastic complexes and historic sights in Moldova (Capriana, Orheiul Vechi, Milestii Mici etc.). The Government has allocated 400,000 lei from its reserve fund for organizing the Congress. The first Congress of the Moldovan Communities took place in 2004, while the second Congress – in 2006.