Putin awards Order for Service to the Fatherland I class to Shoigu
MOSCOW. May 21 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who turned 65 on May 21, a happy birthday and signed a decree awarding him an Order for Service to the Fatherland I class with swords, the Kremlin press service said.
Earlier on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also wished happy birthday to Sergei Shoigu.
"For years, I have known you as a trusted friend, a real patriot, and an utmost professional. Your life sets a remarkable example of selflessness, courage, and commitment to duty for many people," Lavrov said in his greetings published on the Foreign Ministry's website.
Lavrov praised personal and professional traits of Shoigu, which enabled him "to work fruitful in a variety of most difficult areas and to successfully accomplish every mission." "It's impossible to overemphasize your contribution to the establishment of the existent system of the prevention and mitigation of emergency situations, the comprehensive strengthening of national defense capacity, and the preservation of traditions of our people. Once again, you are 'on the frontline' protecting national interests," Lavrov said.
"I appreciate our friendship. I always welcome our meetings, either on business, or at a sports ground, or by the campfire with a cup of tea in my hand, or at the Russian Geographical Society," he said
Lavrov wished Shoigu "to stay robustly healthy as a Siberian and to continue his work to the benefit of the home country."
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has also wished Sergei Shoigu a happy birthday and praised his contribution to the country's defense capabilities.
"I want to wish Defense Minister Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu a happy birthday on behalf of the whole government and myself personally. Sergei Kuzhugetovich is in charge of a very difficult job; he's responsible for the defense capabilities of our country. It's difficult work, which requires a lot of experience and excellent management skills. Of course, you, Sergei Kuzhugetovich, have all these qualities in full, and I sincerely wish you excellent health, energy, new successes, and all the best. Happy birthday!" Mishustin said at a government meeting on Thursday.