30 may, 2009 12:00  
 
 

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to the pilot – cosmonaut of the USSR, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Alexei Leonov, on the occasion of his 75th birthday

 
 
 

The telegram reads, in part:

"Your career and vast life experience deserve the very deepest respect. You were one of the first people who, having overcome the Earth's gravitational force, opened up mankind's path into space. You really made a unique contribution to the development of cutting-edge scientific and technical ideas, and strengthening international cooperation in opening up the near-Earth space.

Your professional performance, energy, and ability as an explorer helped you to fully realise your creative potential, and achieve both recognition and success in diverse fields."