Greetings from the Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, the President of the Republic of Belarus, A.Lukashenko on the Unity Day of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Dear Belarusian and Russians!

Many congratulations on the Unity Day of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia.

It has been 12 years since we headed for profound and overall integration based on aspiration to be together, live and work jointly. Time has confirmed the correctness of the chosen path: at present Belarusian-Russian relations successfully develop in all areas. Major success has been achieved in economic sphere – last year bilateral trade exceeded $26 billion. Both Interregional contacts are expanding and new high-performance production is organized.

Implementation of union programmes is becoming an even more important instrument of practical solution to many social and economic problems. These programmes cover the whole range of cooperation from joint steps in military and technical area to humanitarian relations. We have managed to built an effective scheme of foreign-policy cooperation; joint defence potential is also getting stronger.

The results of the latest meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State as well as recently held negotiations demonstrate the willingness of the two countries to search for mutually acceptable solutions to all problems. They also confirm the interest in further growth of well-being both of Belarusian and Russian citizens, in their security as well as in creation of favorable conditions for successful development of our countries.

Present confidential and equal dialogue between the leaders is a key factor when providing concerted adequate responses to challenges of today.

In turn, unanimous choice of Russian society that supported the continuity of pursued in Russia political and economic policy makes it possible to continue the formation of full-fledged Union taking into account mutual interests.

Dear Friends!

On this joyous day let me with all my heart wish you happiness, good health and optimism.

Let this common occasion – the Unity Day of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia –be the symbol of our friendship and spiritual relationship, the symbol of prosperity for many generations of Belarusians and Russians.

According to the Standing Committee of the Union State