The message reads:
“I welcome the organisers, participants and members of the 36th International Congress on military medicine.
Military medicine has a long and glorious history. At all times, representatives of this humane profession have been distinguished for their high responsibility and loyalty to their duty, their selflessness and courage.
The present generation of military doctors piously protects and increases the wonderful traditions of their predecessors and are rightly considered to be the most efficient and well-organised group in the international health system. Today their role is not restricted to carrying out their direct professional tasks – military doctors are increasingly active in international humanitarian operations and peace-keeping missions. A clear sign of this is the precise and coordinated work of the multi-national military medical contingent to liquidate the consequences of the natural disaster in South-East Asia.
I am sure that the decisions developed during your representative forum will be directed to establishing true partner relations among military doctors, and increasing intergovernmental cooperation in the interests of our countries and peoples.
I wish you constructive and productive work, and all the best.”