Foreign leaders extend Independence Day greetings to Belarus

Independence Day greetings addressed to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Belarusian nation keep coming in from foreign heads of state, politicians and cultural figures.

Congratulatory messages have come from the heads of the CIS countries, the European Union and other states from various regions of the world.

Belarus has received congratulatory messages from Pope Francis, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Elizabeth II,  King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Emperor Akihito of Japan.

The Belarusian head of state received congratulatory messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, the presidents of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Turkey, the UAE, Algeria, Syria, Palestine, the president of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba, the governor-general of the Commonwealth of Australia.  

In his message Vladimir Putin stressed that 3 July is an important date in the history of Belarus. “The liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders is one of the most important victories our fathers and grandfathers won in the Great Patriotic War. The  friendship and mutual assistance we inherited from them provide a solid basis for the development of  the Russian-Belarusian relations,” the Russian head of state said.

Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the Belarusian President for the hospitality extended to the Russian delegation during a recent visit to the capital of Belarus, and expressed confidence that the implementation of the decisions taken during the session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State will further promote bilateral integration processes.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also wished Happy Independence Day to Belarus.

In his message Chinese President Xi Jinping noted an increasing international position and influence of Belarus, and also the country's economic development. 

“The Belarusian dream about the prosperous and happy life of the people, peaceful and stable state is being translated into reality. Being a good friend of Belarus, China feels heartfelt joy. I attach great importance to the development of the Chinese-Belarusian relations, appreciate the good working relationship and personal strong friendship. I am willing to make efforts together with you for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, to continuously reach new results in promotion of trust-based comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation in the joint development of the Belt and Road initiative,” the Chinese leader said.

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko noted that over the past years Belarus has taken its rightful place among the countries of the region and has demonstrated commitment to peace and regional stability, confident growth of the national economy. “The development of good-neighborly relations with the Republic of Belarus has always been among the foreign policy priorities of Ukraine. I am sure that the Ukrainian-Belarusian relations will continue to develop in a spirit of partnership and constructive cooperation and mutual respect,” Petro Poroshenko said.

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that his country attaches great importance to the further strengthening of friendly and partnership relations with Belarus in all areas of cooperation. “I am convinced that the relations of friendship and mutual respect prevailing between the two countries will continue to provide a sound basis for the expansion of Kazakh-Belarusian interaction in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual understanding for the benefit of the peoples of our countries,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said.

In a congratulatory message to the Belarusian leader Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the high level of the Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, which reflects the desire of the two countries to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen strategic partnership.

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon emphasized that the bilateral relations with Belarus is among the priorities of the foreign policy of Tajikistan: “We appreciate the current level of multifaceted interaction between our countries that received a new momentum in recent years. I believe that the agreements reached during your recent official visit to Tajikistan will give a new impetus to the entire set of Tajikistan-Belarus relations in accordance with the national interests of our peoples and economies.”

Turkmenistan President  Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow stated that for many years the friendly relations between the countries have been based on strong ties of equality, respect and mutual support. “I believe that the existing high level of trust and understanding between Turkmenistan and Belarus will continue to serve as a solid basis for the constructive development of cooperation in various areas,” he said.

Moldova President Igor Dodon stressed that Moldova welcomes the achievements of Belarus in the scientific, production, technological, social and economic areas which have made it possible to improve the quality of life of its people. “The trust-based personal relations that we developed during meetings give us confidence that drawing on the historical and contemporary experience of bilateral productive partnerships in various areas, our countries will continue to work closely and cooperate in the implementation of joint projects in the name of and for the benefit of the Moldovan and Belarusian nations,” the message reads.

President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella welcomed great progress in the dialogue between Minsk and the European Union, which will further stimulate bilateral partnerships.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also received a message of greetings from French President Emmanuel Macron who expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries will intensify in all areas where there is still an untapped potential. Emmanuel Macron welcomed the development of relations between Belarus and the European Union. “I hope that we can continue to strengthen this positive momentum, which will help Belarus develop its economy and diversify trade ties and, as a result, guarantee its independence,” he said.

Sincere and heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday have cine from President of the United Arab Emirates President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the level of relations with Belarus which have been developing on the basis of mutual respect and common interests. The president believes that fruitful cooperation will continue to develop and diversify in different areas.

Pope Francis wished the Belarusian leadership and people divine blessings.

Congratulations to the President of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian nation on the occasion of Independence Day keep coming in.