The message said, in part:
“The further development of good-neighbourly Russian-Ukrainian relations based on the principles of strategic partnership, mutual benefit and trust has always been a priority in Russia’s foreign policy.
“It is important that Russian-Ukrainian cooperation is reaching new frontiers today due to our countries’ active and versatile dialogue in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres and the expansion of business and interregional ties. The course taken to implement major joint energy and aerospace projects and close military-technical cooperation, helps to strengthen our countries’ role and prestige in European and international affairs.
“The creation of a common economic space should help to consolidate the positive trends in our countries’ economic cooperation and to consistently develop bilateral relations in the interests of the wellbeing of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples.
“The Year of the Russian Federation in Ukraine is now successfully being held. I am convinced that this event, as well as the Year of Ukraine which was held in Russia, will promote friendship, trust and good-neighbourly relations between our fraternal nations.”