Putin to meet with Russian diplomats

Russian President Vladimir Putin will on Thursday hold a meeting with Foreign Ministry employees on the occasion of their professional holiday — Diplomats’ Day, marked February 10.
The Kremlin press service reported that diplomats from Russia’s foreign missions and senior Foreign Ministry officials will attend the event.
"During the meeting, the president will present state decorations," the Kremlin said.
The Diplomats’ Day has been celebrated since 2002, when the date (February 10) was established in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
Putin will meet with diplomats for the third time in honor of their professional holiday. The previous event in this format was held in February 2013.
The message of congratulations posted on the Kremlin website on Tuesday reads, in part:
"The Russian foreign policy service has always skillfully and persistently asserted our national interests, making an outstanding contribution to strengthening the country’s position on the world arena. Our diplomats have always been known for their patriotism, extreme competence and dedication to their cause.

In the current complicated international situation, the effective, result-oriented work of the Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates-general and other missions abroad acquires special significance. It guarantees that despite any pressure, the Russian Federation will continue on its independent foreign policy course that meets the vital interests of our people and is in line with efforts to ensure global security and stability.
The tasks before you are truly important. The current agenda includes strengthening the Eurasian Economic Union and developing multifaceted cooperation with our partners on different continents, including within the framework of Russia’s Presidency in SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organization] and BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa].
I am certain that you will follow in the best traditions of Russian diplomacy and work with maximum efficiency for the benefit of our Motherland."