His Holiness Patriarch Kirill congratulates MGIMO rector Anatoly Torkunov on his 75th birthday
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' congratulated Anatoly V. Torkunov, rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, on his 75th birthday.
To: Anatoly V. Torkunov, rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Political Science
Dear Anatoly Vasilievich!
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the landmark jubilee – your 75th birthday.
During many years you had worked hard for the good of our Fatherland, and wherever you used to work you always sought to show an example of high professionalism and responsibility, determination and devotedness to your vocation. Your scholarly works, public speeches and personal participation in resolving the most difficult issues of international politics have brought you respect not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders.
For over thirty years you have been heading one of the most famous and prestigious universities of our country. Under your leadership, MGIMO has become a center of intellectual attraction, in which applicants wishing to have a proper education are striving to get enrolled and where the best traditions of Russian diplomacy are being formed and developing.
I would like to express special gratitude to you for fruitful cooperation of MGIMO with the Russian Orthodox Church. I hope that the existing interaction will help strengthen the authority of our country, maintain a dialogue between cultures and civilizations, affirm paramount ideals of solidarity and peace, goodness and justice both in society and politics.
In consideration of your contribution to the maintenance of traditional values in society and in connection with your 75th birthday, I deem it fair to award you with the Order of the Right-believing Prince Daniel of Moscow, 1st class.
I wish you the inexhaustive strength, God’s abundant aid, and success in your further service for the benefit of the Fatherland.
Sincerely,
