Opening the congress, United Russia leader, State Duma (lower house) Speaker Boris Gryzlov read out President Vladimir Putin's greeting.
"Constructive decisions that will be made at today's congress will contribute to the party's authority, strengthen its positions and attract new members," Gryzlov quoted Putin as saying.
Gryzlov is set to deliver the main report on the topic: From Stabilization to Development: Political Priorities of the United Russia Party.
Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu and Tatarstan's President Mintimer Shaimiyev are taking part in the congress.
Gryzlov told Putin earlier that the United Russia strategy and symbols, national projects and socio-economic development of the Far East and Siberia would be on the agenda of the congress. The party will also discuss "the necessity of rational use of the Investment Fund for infrastructure development."
The party currently comprises some 1 million members, including four members of the Russian government and heads of 28 regions.
