The message reads, in part:

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Viktor Muravlenko, an outstanding oil and gas industrialist.

"He made a major contribution to the creation of the Western Siberian fuel and energy complex and its subsequent development. Our abundant mineral deposits began to be developed under the supervision of Mr Muravlenko. A ramified pipeline network was created, and oil production reached an all-time high.

"Modern refineries of the fuel and energy complex, which have now been built in Western Siberia, contribute greatly to the industry's cost-effective performance.

"A city of oil workers has been named after Mr Muravlenko, and with good reason. I am confident that his life and achievements will serve as a good example for young specialists, and that posterity will honour his memory."