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Speaking at a reception to mark Border Guards Day, Mr Medvedev said that service on the border is one of the most difficult jobs in terms of the duties it entails and the conditions in which they are performed. This is where the state’s ability to defend its national interests and protect its people, economy and cultural heritage from various threats is put to the test.

The President stressed that Russia’s borders should be open for business cooperation and for developing friendly trans-border contacts, but must be firmly sealed to terrorists, transnational crime and drugs trafficking, and to anyone seeking to seize Russia's marine and biological resources.

True professionals have always worked in the border guards service and continue to do so today, Mr Medvedev said. He expressed his confidence that the border guards would continue to carry out their mission just as worthily.

Dmitry Medvedev said that much has been done over these last years to strengthen the border guards system and actively develop a truly modern border infrastructure.

The President wished the border guards success in their difficult and important work and addressed special words of thanks to veterans of the service.