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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrade officers,

I congratulate you on your professional holiday. Today, on this special occasion, you are receiving the banner of the National Guard troops.

This military relic embodies the honour and valour of many generations of defenders of our fatherland, symbolises their glorious traditions, and underscores the unbroken historical links.

This new federal service was established only recently, in April last year, and it has already become an important component in ensuring our national and public security.

The National Guard’s personnel act decisively and with result, demonstrating courage and heroism. Of course, we will always remember our comrades who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and our people’s lives and peace.

The National Guard was formed by special operations units from the Interior Ministry, riot police and special rapid response forces. It counts among its ranks units from extra-departmental security forces that have demonstrated their abilities.

You have solid human resources potential and great professional experience, and the needed operations and technical possibilities. Your direct responsibility is to put this enormous potential to best use in protecting Russia’s national interests and our people’s rights and freedoms.

Effective action against extremism, terrorism and organised crime is one of your priority tasks. You must not only consolidate the success already obtained in these areas, but must keep moving forward, revealing the plans of terrorists and extremists, cutting off their contacts with groups abroad, and respond professionally to any attempts to destabilise public order in our country, no matter what the pretext.

You must ensure reliable protection of state sites, particularly strategic facilities, keep strict control over the circulation of weapons, and coordinate the activity of all types of security organisations. Of course, it is important to develop cooperation with civil society and ensure you have our people’s support.

I am sure that you understand well the scale and importance of these tasks and will do everything possible to resolve them rapidly and competently, and stay loyal to your duty and your oath.

I wish the National Guard’s heads and personnel success, and I wish your families and loved ones good health, happiness and all the very best.

Thank you.