In his message of congratulations, sent to the members of the 53rd Russian Polar Expedition, Mr Medvedev said:
“June 22 is a wonderful date for polar explorers from all countries. More than fifty years ago, the first Soviet Antarctic expedition launched the first systematic Russian studies of this remote and inhospitable corner of the planet. The polar stations established over these years reliably ensure Russia’s state interests.
It is pleasing to see that today’s polar explorers are continuing the work of the pioneering heroes of Antarctic exploration and are building the spirit of good-neighbourliness and international cooperation in the study of Antarctica”.
The day of the winter solstice is traditionally celebrated internationally as the professional holiday of Antarctic explorers.