OREANDA-NEWS. December 27, 2010. The President spoke at an official event celebrating Rescuers’ Day and the 20th anniversary of the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief.

President Medvedev also sent a message of congratulations to the ministry’s current and former staff on the occasion of their professional holiday.

The message reads, in part:

“On numerous occasions over these years the Ministry’s personnel have shown their professionalism, courage, and readiness to save lives. Its highly professional and efficient performance has earned respect not only in Russian society but in many countries abroad too.

Effective rescue efforts today depend greatly on having new technology and equipment, a high level of knowledge and practical skills, and of course it is also essential to ensure timely detection of manmade and natural threats.

I am confident that the Ministry’s officers will continue to perform in worthy fashion all of the duties before them.”