YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday issued a message of congratulations to member of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, world-renowned Russian-Armenian polar explorer Artur Chilingarov, on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary.

“You have had an enormous contribution to oceanography and polar exploration. Your scientific conquest of the Arctic and the Antarctic is an invaluable contribution to the further development of geographical and natural sciences.

“We are proud that Armenian blood runs through the veins of such a great man. You are highly appreciated in Armenia as a steadfast supporter of the consistent strengthening of the Armenian-Russian strategic alliance,” the President’s message specifically runs.