President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, I congratulate you on this holiday – the anniversary of Crimea and Sevastopol’s reunification with Russia.
It is no exaggeration to say that millions of people looked forward to and desired this historical justice. It took place following the people of Crimea and Sevastopol’s free expression of their will in a referendum two years ago.
We can achieve more now that we are together. I also congratulate you today on this major construction project to build the Kerch Strait Bridge. This is a much needed and important project that will be completed towards the end of 2018 and will become another symbol of our unity with Crimea and Sevastopol and a symbol of our possibilities.
We will walk together, confidently, and only forward.
Happy holiday!