Dear friends!

On April 2nd, 1996, the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation signed the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Belarus and Russia, drawing on the long-standing historical commonality and shared destiny of Belarusians and Russians and guided by our peoples’ desire for greater unity.

Thirty years have passed since that time. The Community, the Union, the Union State — these are links in the chain, where each one of them is a well-calculated step along our road to integration.

The guiding principles of the Union State’s policy remain unchanged. These are peace and harmony, unity and progress, prosperity and social justice.

Our brotherly peoples cherish centuries-old traditions of trust, take justifiable pride in our shared history, hold the memory of our ancestors in the highest regard, and safeguard our spiritual and moral values. Significant joint achievements help millions of Belarusians and Russians to live a life worth living, work, raise children and feel confident about the future.

Mutually beneficial partnership in various areas and growing trade volumes, alongside bilateral initiatives and projects, unlock new opportunities to steadily improve our peoples’ quality of life. We provide food security and technological sovereignty for the Union State. The two countries have built a scientific, educational, informational and cultural environment for citizens of Belarus and Russia to feel part of one community.

Minsk and Moscow stand united in defending our goals and ideals internationally, support one another in the fight against unlawful sanctions, and strengthen joint defence capabilities, as well as do everything in their power to ease military and political tensions around the world and strive to restore global trust.

Dear friends, as we follow this road towards closer integration, we can respond to the challenges of our time, improve our living standards and welfare, and together nurture worthy successors who will carry the torch from one generation to the next.

On this special day, with all my heart, I wish you health, happiness and success in your efforts to build a better future.