President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,
I am happy to congratulate the staff and veterans of the Emergencies Ministry on your professional holiday, Rescue Worker’s Day.
You have earned respect and prestige in Russian society and many other countries where you fulfilled your duties diligently and efficiently.
You are the first to come to the rescue in the event of disasters and emergencies, standing up against the elements, helping those who are in trouble amid armed conflicts and saving lives, and doing all of this with courage and valour.
Aware of your towering responsibilities, you work precisely and selflessly as a team, doing your professional and human duty.
We are grateful to you for your difficult and very important work.
Our special thanks go to the veterans, who stood at the origins of the Emergencies Ministry and helped create its fine traditions.
I hope that your ministry will continue to develop dynamically, improving the system of preventing and promptly responding to emergencies, introducing cutting-edge equipment and improving the system of training professionals for the ministry.
For its part, the state will continue to give you all the necessary support.
I again wholeheartedly congratulate you on your professional holiday and on the coming New Year. I wish success, good health and all the best to you and your families.