Presidents of Belarus, Russia exchange Unity Day congratulations

The presidents of Belarus and Russia have exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader. Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted in his message: “The Union State is a unique joint project, an example of the most successful integration in the post-Soviet space. The experience gained over a quarter of a century allows us to quickly and effectively respond to unprecedented challenges and threats, to jointly promote and defend common interests in the international arena.” “I am sure that the extensive bilateral agenda opens up new prospects for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation and closer bilateral contacts with the ultimate goal of improving the living standards of citizens of Belarus and Russia,” the president of Belarus emphasized. Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Vladimir Putin health, optimism and success in addressing important government tasks. In turn, Vladimir Putin wrote in his address: “Despite a challenging international landscape, we have managed to do a lot to promote Russia-Belarus contacts across the board and to strengthen the institutions of the Union State.” The Russian president emphasized that coordination of efforts in foreign policy, defense and security yields some good results. “The successful implementation of the Union State programs helped reconcile the legislation of Russia and Belarus in the most important areas, paved the way for a common macroeconomic and monetary policy, as well as for the formation of a common socio-economic space,” the Russian leader said in his address. “At the January meeting of the Union State Supreme State Council, a new set of measures to promote integration processes was approved.” “I am confident that its consistent implementation meets the fundamental interests of Russians and Belarusians and is in line with our efforts to strengthen stability and security in the Eurasian space,” Vladimir Putin noted. “I sincerely wish you good health and success, and the brotherly people of Belarus happiness and prosperity.” The Belarusian president also sent Unity Day congratulations to Prime Minister of Russia, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union State Mikhail Mishustin, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State Vyacheslav Volodin, State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev, and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.