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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good evening, friends and ministry veterans,

I congratulate you on this holiday, Interior Ministry Personnel Day.

Today we honour all those who have chosen this difficult but very important work of protecting law and order. This work is essential for our society, country and people. We honour those who hold firm to values such as professional reputation and personal decency.

The generations of people who preceded you laid excellent traditions of service and I address particular words of gratitude to the Interior Ministry veterans on this holiday occasion. I thank you also for the fact that despite your age and health problems, you share your experience and knowledge with your young colleagues.

We will always remember the soldiers of law and order who remained faithful to their oath to the end and never wavered or retreated in the most critical hour.

We are here to celebrate a holiday, but nevertheless, I must remind you that 63 police officers were killed during the performance of their professional duties this year. They will unquestionably always remain in our hearts, but we know how irreparable a loss this is for their families, colleagues and friends. I can say with certainty though that they will always remain examples of dedication to duty, courage and honesty for future generations of Interior Ministry workers.

Friends, the vast majority of Interior Ministry personnel are honest and responsible in performance of their duties and make a great contribution to guaranteeing our people’s rights and freedoms and upholding Russia’s constitutional foundations.

This year, the Interior Ministry has taken over responsibility for migration security and combating drug trafficking. The national crime prevention system has received reinforced legislative support.

Our people hope to see greater results from the Interior Ministry and more effective work in this and other areas. Your work is the object of heightened public attention, and you are well aware of this and feel it.

There is still a lot of work to be done in the area of educating the service personnel so that everyone who swears the oath to serve Russia and serve the law realises the full measure of their responsibility before our country and society for every decision they take.

For our part, the state authorities will continue to take measures to ensure the Interior Ministry has the resources and equipment it needs, and the personnel and their family members have decent social protection.

Friends, once again, I congratulate you on this holiday and I wish you good health and success in your work. Of course, I also thank you all for your service.

Thank you for your attention.