Congratulations on Polar Explorer Day 2018-05-21 10:00:00 Vladimir Putin congratulated the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) staff and all Russian polar explorers on their professional holiday, Polar Explorer’s Day. The message says, in part: “On May 21, 1937, the world’s first drifting ice station began its work under the leadership of outstanding Soviet researcher Ivan Papanin. The courageous team of the North Pole-1station continued in the footsteps of the great Russian explorers of the high latitudes. This breakthrough in Arctic studies largely determined the status of Russia as a great polar nation. The government continues to pay a lot of attention to Arctic and Antarctic studies. Russian experts are building on the traditions of trailblazers and are increasing Russia’s scientific presence in these outlying parts of the world, as well as taking part in the implementation of large-scale programmes for the preservation of the unique natural riches of these regions. Polar explorers are also greatly contributing to the strengthening of international cooperation.”