Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am glad to welcome you at the reception on the occasion of the professional holiday of the Russian Foreign Service – Diplomats’ Day.

This holiday was established in 2002 by the Decree of the President of Russia in connection with the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire. The Russian diplomat’s uniform was introduced at that time. Russian Ambassadors and envoys usually put it on at least twice a year - during the National Day of Russia and during the Russian Diplomats’ Day.

The date of celebrating the Diplomats’ Day was not chosen at random. The earliest mention of the predecessor of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Ambassadorial order, created by Tsar Ivan the Terrible to conduct external relations with foreign countries and peoples, was firstly mentioned on February 10, 1549.

Despite the fact that this holiday is relatively new, it has already become an integral part of the Russian diplomats’ life. It is worth mentioning that every year we invite our colleagues from the diplomatic corps to celebrate it together. Of course, the significance of this holiday for us is not limited solely by a protocol event.

Today we recall the centuries-old history of Russian diplomacy, its unique traditions and methods of work, formed by generations of Russian diplomats in calm and turbulent periods of our state's existence. These traditions are indivisibly linked with our national mentality and the mysterious Russian soul, which constantly seeks truth and justice. Up to this day, these high landmarks and legacy of our predecessors serve as a guiding light and inspire us to altruistic serve the national interests of Russia by ensuring peace and international security.

The diplomat's work consists of not only attending receptions and other entertainment events, as it may seem sometimes. Diplomacy is an everyday intense high-intellectual work, and sometimes it is associated with a risk to life. History keeps sad examples when diplomats lose their lives while fulfilling professional duty. Such tragedies, unfortunately, occur in our days. But actually pessimism is not peculiar to a real diplomat, and state interests have been and remain for us in the first place.

French politician and diplomat Talleyrand once said: "Diplomacy exists exactly for the ability to talk, to keep quiet, and to listen."

Diplomacy is not the only creative profession, whose representatives master the art of uniting people, create peace and harmony. Art and, in particular, music perform this high mission of diplomacy as well. Music, this truly universal language, understandable to everyone without exception, has the ability to overcome any differences between people, to awaken in them the most kind feelings and emotions. Where words fail, music speaks.

Today we want to present to your attention the performance of Russian singers – Ms. Svetlana Feodulova and Mr. Ilya Yudichev, who came to our reception specially from Moscow. Having classical music education, Svetlana and Ilya are laureates of many Russian and international music competitions. Today they will perform for you famous Russian and world opera hits.

In conclusion, I would like to thank our sponsors – the JW Marriot Hotel, the Yamaha Company, famous Malaysian pianist and Mr. Kok Ki Boon, as well as our artists Svetlana and Ilya together with their producers Ms.Olga and Mr.Andrey for their support in organizing this concert.

I wish you all a pleasant evening.