Today steel-makers of Mariupol have a holiday. 86 years ago, on 12 August 1933, blast furnace No. 1 of Azovstal Iron & Steel Works gave the first cast iron to the country. This day can rightfully be considered as the birthday of Azovstal Works, one of the flagships of Ukrainian industry.

I sincerely congratulate employees of Azovstal and all Mariupol residents on this date. I wish you that the noble profession of a metallurgist always enjoys people's love and respect. May your labour find its worthy appreciation in society, so that the fruits of your labour would strengthen the economy of Ukraine and contribute to its reputation in the world. So that you and your children could confidently look into the future that you are building, in spite of any difficulties, demonstrating real responsibility for the prosperity of our country. I wish you peace, luck, good health and simple human happiness! All the best!

Happy Birthday to Azovstal, dear Mariupol residents!