The message reads, in part:
“We can be truly proud of the outstanding achievements of many generations of our polar explorers. They were among the first researchers in the harsh Arctic latitudes, and 200 years ago, participants in the Russian south pole expedition led by Faddei Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev discovered Antarctica. Our polar explorers laid new sea and air routes, carried out large-scale surveys and made a significant contribution to strengthening the country's economic, scientific and defence capability and to building up our presence in these strategically important regions of the planet.
It is gratifying that you continue the wonderful professional traditions of your predecessors, develop the richest mineral deposits, including on the Russian continental shelf, actively participate in the implementation of national and international programmes to preserve the unique nature of the Arctic and Antarctic, and honestly and conscientiously serve our Fatherland.”