President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela on Venezuela’s national holiday, Independence Day.

‘Our strategic partnership helps us defend successfully our national interests and values in the international arena,’ said the Belarusian leader in a letter of congratulation of Hugo Chávez.

In spite of the global financial and economic crisis, Belarusian-Venezuelan joint projects are gaining momentum, said the President of Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko has expressed to his Venezuelan counterpart earnest wishes of his good health, happiness, and successes in his challenging work, and to the Venezuelan people peace and wellbeing.