Dear Belarusians and Russians,

I cordially congratulate you on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia–a holiday that is increasingly becoming our common tradition.

The course we have embarked on in order to build union state relations is based on the natural aspiration of the Belarusians and Russians to live in peace and co-operate enjoying mutual benefits within a common economic, scientific, technical and cultural space.

Thirteen years is a small period for any integration association. But over this short period, Belarus and Russia have made a significant step towards achieving the main goal– creating the necessary conditions for sustainable development of our countries, improving the welfare and living standards of the peoples.

Today we have almost fully solved the issues related to ensuring equal rights for Belarusians and Russians in employment and remuneration of labour, education, medicine, choice of place of stay and residence.

Belarus and Russia share positions on international issues, work together to enhance the defence capability and security of the Union State. There has been vibrant partnership in science, culture, sport and tourism.

A high level of mutually beneficial co-operation has been achieved in industry, science and technology; interregional contacts are growing stronger. Given today’s financial and economic crisis, we have developed a mechanism of co-ordinated actions to minimise its influence on the economies of the two countries.

In the near future we plan to complete the work on equalising business conditions for economic entities, create a real customs union without any limitations or barriers.

Dear friends,

It is only close co-operation in all areas and joint use of material and intellectual resources that can give an additional impetus to the process of the Union State construction, that can guarantee reliable security of rights and interests of the Belarusians and Russians.

On this festive day, from the bottom of my heart I wish excellent health, happiness and wellbeing. May peace and consent live forever in your homes!

Alexander Lukashenko