“Our countries are united by centuries-old spiritual, cultural and historical ties, similar national characters and traditions, and the warmest feelings two fraternal peoples can have for each other”, Mr Medvedev wrote in his message of congratulations. “Our main task today, as I see it, is to ensure that we do not fritter away this valuable capital handed down by past generations but lovingly preserve and multiply it.
In this context it is important that we put our joint efforts into genuinely strengthening our bilateral relations, developing our economic partnership and enhancing mutually beneficial investment cooperation. Mutual consideration of each other’s foreign policy and security interests, resolving practical issues concerning the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s operation and its presence on Ukrainian territory, and constructive cooperation in the humanitarian field are all just as important.
It is my conviction that no matter what the transitory political trends and changes of the moment, Russian-Ukrainian relations must be built on the long-term interests of our peoples and countries. This is the foundation that enables us to take an objective and unbiased approach to resolving the important issues before us and creates the conditions we need to be able to realise the immense potential our cooperation offers”.