Russia is marking the Day of a Diplomatic Worker today. The date was set on October 31, 2002, by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and is celebrated annually on February 10.
The date was chosen upon the discovery of the earliest thus far mention of a Russian diplomatic department in 1549.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to current and former staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry on their professional holiday, Diplomats’ Day, according to the statement posted on the Kremlin's website.
“The Russian Foreign Ministry has a glorious record of faithful service to the Motherland and of protecting its interests in the international arena. Relying on the traditions of the past, Russia’s diplomats befittingly perform their professional duties today. We largely credit you for developing mutually beneficial ties with our partners on all continents. Our diplomacy helps uphold the lawful rights of Russian citizens and compatriots abroad and facilitates the settlement of regional conflicts and crises and, most importantly, plays a major role in creating favourable external conditions for the steady progress of our country," he stressed.
"The situation in the world is becoming more turbulent and tense. This certainly requires additional and persistent efforts to ensure strategic stability and counter arising threats and challenges. This especially includes our bid to receive comprehensive, legally binding national security guarantees from the US and its NATO allies. Naturally, consistent, systemic work to strengthen the supremacy of international law and the UN’s central coordinating role, to create a fair and stable multipolar world order remains fully topical. I am convinced that the staff of the Foreign Ministry will continue working efficiently, doing all it can to consolidate Russia’s position in the world arena," the head of state concluded.
