The congratulatory telegram reads, in part:
“Established between two epochs, ITAR-TASS has played a significant role in the life of our country. At all times and in all circumstances, its reporters have performed their professional duty by communicating objective and timely information. Today the agency continues to set an example for quality and precise work, further confirming its status as one of the leading international media agencies.
It is encouraging to see that many young people, who already in the near future will represent our country in the international information market, are part of the central editorial board of ITAR-TASS and news bureaus in Russia and abroad.”
The President issued a commendation to ITAR-TASS staff for the substantial contribution to the development of national mass media and professional successes achieved.
Russia's first official news agency and historical predecessor of ITAR-TASS, the St Petersburg Telegraph Agency (SPTA), began operating on September 1, 1904.