The message reads, in part:
“This professional holiday was established ten years ago as an effort to express deep respect for dedicated work of our citizens who devoted their lives to serving the Motherland in the most extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Top competencies and creative talents of many generations of researchers, sailors, pilots, construction workers, geologists, and other professionals made it possible to establish new sea and air routes, discover mineral deposits, conduct fundamental research, and lay a solid foundation for addressing strategic development tasks.
I am pleased to note that today’s large and close-knit brotherhood of polar explorers cherishes and enhances the remarkable traditions of their predecessors, strengthens Russia’s scientific presence in the polar territories, and actively participates in the implementation of extensive and relevant programmes aimed at preserving unique eco systems of these regions.”