MOSCOW. Dec 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Russia's security services for their high professionalism, which helps them counter foreign intelligence services.
"I know what skilful, sophisticated, and expeditious work you are doing, outperforming foreign intelligence services and targeting organized crime and corruption," Putin said at an event marking Security Service Workers' Day in Russia.
Putin said that Russian security agencies continue the tradition of dedicated service to their country. "We remember and will never forget how very young guys, our comrades-in-arms rescued hostages, jumped in front of bullets to save people from militant fire, neutralized terrorists. And that still needs to be done today," Putin said.
Putin also expressed confidence that "such requirements for people working in security agencies as strict observance of the Constitution and the law, the highest degree of responsibility, honesty and personal integrity, readiness to perform the hardest and sometimes most dangerous work, will always remain constant."