The message reads, in part:
“I congratulate you from all my heart on the Day of Unity between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus. This wonderful occasion symbolises the bonds of friendship, good-neighbourliness and solidarity that have bound our two peoples so tightly over the course of many centuries.
This year marks 15 years since the signing of the treaty creating the Union State. Over this time, our countries have come a long way in their cooperation and integration. We can see the results of our work to build the Union State in all areas of life.
Our trade and economic ties are growing fast and we are carrying out big joint projects in industry, energy, science and technology, humanitarian fields and other sectors. We have developed effective coordination in foreign and defence policy and ensure equal rights for both countries’ citizens.
Russian-Belarusian cooperation has become the driving force for broader Eurasian integration. The experience we have gained in building the Union State has been put to good use in developing the Eurasian Economic Union, which, thanks to our common efforts, is now entering its final preparatory stage.
I am sure that continued rapid development of our integration projects will open up new opportunities for our countries’ growth and help us to successfully resolve the tasks before us.”