February 10 — Diplomat's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on February 10, Russia celebrates Diplomatic Worker's Day, a professional holiday for those who defend the country's national interests in the international arena. On this day, congratulations are received by employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Russian embassies and consulates abroad, veterans of the diplomatic service, as well as teachers and students of specialized educational institutions. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Tuesday. About the glorious history and modern traditions of this day — in the material of Izvestia.

Diplomatic Worker's Day — the history of the holiday

The professional holiday of Russian diplomats was officially established by decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2002 to highlight the contribution of many generations of diplomats to strengthening the sovereignty, security and authority of the state. Its history goes back centuries. It was on this day in 1549 that the first documentary mention of the Embassy Order appeared, the first state body in charge of foreign affairs. This became the starting point for the formation of the Russian diplomatic service.

The evolution of the diplomatic department is inextricably linked with the development of Russian statehood. During the era of Peter the Great's reforms, the Embassy Order was transformed into the College of Foreign Affairs, which corresponded to Russia's new status as a great European power. The efforts of diplomats of that time consolidated military successes and expanded the network of representative offices abroad.

In 1802, the collegium gave way to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, whose geopolitical interests by the beginning of the 20th century stretched from the Balkans to the Far East. The historical upheavals of the 20th century did not interrupt the diplomatic tradition. After the 1917 revolution, the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs was established, which achieved wide international recognition of the USSR.

In 1946, the department became known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he was succeeded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, headed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The Diplomatic Service: main tasks and priorities

The work of a diplomatic officer is multifaceted and goes far beyond the protocol events. This is a daily effort to protect national interests, promote a constructive foreign policy agenda, ensure the safety of citizens abroad, and develop international trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.

The profession requires deep knowledge, proficiency in foreign languages, understanding of international law, cultural peculiarities of different countries and the ability to find compromises in the most difficult situations. Many diplomats have been living far from their homeland for years, but they continue to faithfully serve the interests of the country.

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Diplomats did a lot of work during the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War and during the post-war world order, including the entire tense period of the Cold War. Today, they continue to serve in the current difficult international situation and anti-Russian sanctions.

According to the current statements of the Russian Foreign Ministry, an important priority of the department remains the formation of a multipolar system of international relations based on respect for sovereignty and international law. Special importance is attached to strengthening allied relations within the framework of the CSTO, the EAEU, the CIS, the SCO, the BRICS and the implementation of bilateral agreements, including agreements on security guarantees with Belarus and comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran and the DPRK.

How to celebrate the Day of the Diplomatic Worker in Russia and abroad

The main events on the Day of the Diplomatic Worker take place on February 10 in Moscow, in the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square. Solemn meetings are held here with the presentation of state awards and departmental insignia. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulates his colleagues.

The holiday traditionally begins with remembrance. In the morning, flowers are laid at the memorial plaques of diplomats who died in service and during the Great Patriotic War. The minister and the delegation also carry flowers to the monument to Yevgeny Primakov, who headed the department in the late 1990s, and visit the graves of famous diplomats at Novodevichy, Troekurovsky and other cemeteries in the capital.

The main events on the Day of the Diplomatic Worker take place on February 10 in Moscow, in the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square. Several historical and documentary exhibitions will be opened at the Russian Foreign Ministry on this day. This year, one of the central expositions is dedicated to the anniversaries of outstanding employees of the Foreign Ministry, which will be celebrated in 2026.

In the evening, according to tradition, a solemn meeting of the ministry's staff will be held, where the head of the department, Sergey Lavrov, will speak, as well as a ceremony of awarding state awards. The holiday will be celebrated not only in Moscow. Russian embassies and consulates around the world also hold their own events for employees and their families.

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How to congratulate on the Day of the diplomatic worker

Diplomatic Worker's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to all those who chose this difficult but honorable path of service to the Fatherland. I would also like to say kind words to the veterans of the diplomatic service and the families of diplomats, whose support is very important, especially for those who work away from home.

Congratulations on the 10th of February

"Happy Diplomatic Worker's Day! The diplomatic profession is the art of finding a balance between the interests of different countries, preserving peace and strengthening international cooperation. On this holiday, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your work, which requires not only deep knowledge and professionalism, but also endurance, wisdom, tact and dedication. We wish you inexhaustible energy, good health and new outstanding successes!"

"Dear diplomats, we sincerely congratulate you on your holiday! You are at the forefront of defending the national interests of the country. Your contribution to the development of international cooperation, economic ties and humanitarian dialogue cannot be overestimated. May your daily work strengthen peace and mutual understanding between the countries, and may every bridge you build become stronger every year!"

"Dear employees of the Russian Foreign Ministry, we cordially congratulate you on the Day of the Diplomatic Worker! Your profession is a vocation that requires complete dedication, an analytical mindset, and an impeccable sense of responsibility. Thanks to your hard work, Russia is confidently defending its position in the world, building up a circle of friends and allies. We wish you stability, professional growth and new outstanding successes. Happy holidays!"

"Congratulations on your professional holiday to all those who have devoted themselves to the diplomatic service! You are the heirs of the glorious traditions of Russian diplomacy, the successors of the work of outstanding predecessors. Building a future based on mutual respect and equality of peoples is in your hands. We wish you great personal happiness, lasting peace on all frontiers and always emerging victorious from the most difficult negotiations!"

"We cordially congratulate all employees and veterans of the diplomatic service on their professional holiday! Your work is a daily contribution to the prosperity of Russia and the consolidation of world peace. Thank you for your wisdom, perseverance and professionalism, which you demonstrate in the most difficult conditions. We wish you fruitful work, the implementation of the most ambitious projects and reliable partners in the international arena!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Prosecutor's Office Employee's Day, which was celebrated last month.

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