The message reads, in part;
“Russian diplomacy has a rich and glorious history. Past generations of our diplomats have always acted as a reliable pillar of Russian statehood and brilliantly coped with the challenges of promoting our national interests, fostering peace and international security.
You, the employees of the Foreign Ministry’s main office, embassies and other diplomatic missions, and Russian regional offices, carefully preserve and creatively develop our centuries-old traditions of diplomatic service. Your professionalism, intellectual capacities, sense of initiative, and commitment allow us to solve effectively the most difficult foreign policy challenges.
Today our diplomatic efforts and active cooperation with other countries are aimed primarily at creating favourable conditions for Russia’s sustainable national development, ensuring continued socioeconomic growth, and improving the quality of life of our citizens. And it is precisely this, along with a consistent and persistent attempt to maintain global stability, promote the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and the primacy of international law, that is the heart of each diplomat’s work.
I am convinced that our country’s authority and influence in international affairs will increase. I am also sure that domestic diplomacy will continue to faithfully and selflessly serve our Motherland.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered the message at a ceremony for laying flowers at memorial plaques in Russia’s Foreign Ministry building on February 8, 2013. Russia celebrates Diplomats’ Day on February 10.