The President of Russia's congratulatory telegram stressed that Russia and Belarus are successfully developing mutually advantageous cooperation in a range of fields and a constructive partnership in international affairs. He also emphasised that current developments are based on glorious past traditions, strong bonds of friendship and cultural and spiritual solidarity that have linked the two nations for centuries.
Mr Putin welcomed the positive outcomes of the meeting of the Union State Supreme State Council, held on March 15, 2013 in St Petersburg. He expressed his confidence that further developing integration processes will contribute to the well-being of Russian and Belarusian peoples, as well as establish favourable conditions for the foundation of the Eurasian Economic Union in the years to come.