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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Today, August 18, marks 180 years since the founding of the Russian Geographical Society, which is one of the oldest and most authoritative public associations in our country.

The history of the Russian Geographical Society, its achievements and great names are inextricably and forever linked with the fate of the Fatherland. The contribution of this legendary organisation to the development and strengthening of the Russian state, to its scientific and military triumphs, to the increase of national wealth, is, without exaggeration, enormous.

In many ways, thanks to the unique research and occasionally truly heroic expeditions of the Russian Geographical Society, humanity has acquired unique knowledge about Eurasia and the Pacific region, the Arctic and Antarctica, and obtained answers to the critical questions in the field of climate, cartography, the global economy, and Russia has become a leader in areas such as sensible and balanced development and use of natural resources, and formation of global transport routes.

I would like to specifically note that the Russian Geographical Society founded national nature conservation and environmental protection, the general population census, and the systematic collection of ethnographic data.

All of the above is, of course, only a portion of the enormous contribution made by the RGS. It is gratifying to know that these days it is opening up numerous new areas of work, doing a lot to expand international humanitarian cooperation, and to strengthen trust between peoples.

Just like it did throughout its history, the Russian Geographical Society organises important and interesting expeditions, and implements educational and exhibition projects.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who devotedly serves the science of the earth, studies and preserves the unique nature of Russia, the rich cultural and historical heritage of our multiethnic country, and its distinctive traditions. I am referring to our scientists and volunteers, researchers and travellers, local historians, ethnographers, and members of search teams.

I would also like to thank the media and trustee boards of the Russian Geographical Society. Your attention, your practical support allow thousands of Russian citizens to realise their dreams, and to realise themselves in creative activities and science.

Once again, I congratulate all members and friends of the Russian Geographical Society on the organisation’s anniversary. I wish you every success in all your endeavours.