Aleksandr Lukashenko receives Independence Day greetings from heads of state, public and political figures

Many foreign leaders, prominent public and political figures have congratulated President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko on the Independence Day.

Messages of congratulations came from the heads of the CIS countries, the President of the People's Republic of China, Emperor Akihito of Japan, presidents of Vietnam, India, Algeria, Switzerland, and Serbia.

The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Pope Benedict XVI, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also sent their messages of congratulations.

“Russia cherishes the special nature of partnership with Belarus which is based on the spiritual and cultural closeness of our peoples, strong time-tested friendship, and a shared history. This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. During this time, we have done a lot to strengthen genuinely mutually beneficial and multifaceted bilateral relations in trade and investment, scientific and humanitarian areas,” President of Russia Vladimir Putin said in his congratulatory message.

According to President of China Hu Jintao, the relations between the two countries are continuously evolving. “China wishes to further strengthen the political trust with Belarus, to improve business cooperation in all areas, boost humanitarian contacts and cooperate closely in international and regional affairs, and also continuously improve the level of friendship and cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Belarus,” the message of congratulations reads.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon pointed out Belarus' active participation in the United Nations Organization. It helps work out mutual decisions on joint tasks. "I praise the contribution, commitment and leadership of Belarus in the aspiration to build more just, peaceful and prosperous future for all people," the message of congratulations runs.