Foreign leaders extend Independence Day greetings to Belarus

Independence Day greetings addressed to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Belarusian people have come from the leaders of foreign states, international organizations and integration associations, foreign political and public figures, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

Belarus has received greetings from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Pope Francis, the leaders of Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the UK, Serbia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Israel, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Iran, Syria, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Algeria, Kenya, Nicaragua, Morocco, Uganda, Ethiopia, Palestine, the Order of Malta.

“3 July is a remarkable date in the history of Belarus. The liberation of Minsk from the Nazi invaders was one of the most important victories won by our fathers and grandfathers during the Great Patriotic War,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin in his message of greetings.

The Russian leader added that traditions of brotherly friendship and mutual support hardened during the difficult war times still serve as a reliable foundation for development of Russian-Belarusian relations. “I am confident that through joint efforts we will continue to strengthen ties, constructive bilateral cooperation in all the areas, and promote mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian space. This fully meets the interests of the friendly peoples of our countries,” the head of state stressed.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko and Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin also extended their greetings to Aleksandr Lukashenko.

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping wished prosperity and power to Belarus, and happiness and wellbeing to the Belarusian people. The Chinese leader emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of the Chinese-Belarusian relations and appreciates in-depth friendship with the Belarusian head of state.

“In recent years, under your strong leadership, Belarus has achieved undoubted success in various areas of nation-building. China, as a good friend and partner, is sincerely happy for you. China, as before, will support the development path chosen by Belarus in accordance with its national conditions, provide firm support on issues related to the national interests of Belarus, and is ready to continue providing feasible assistance to the social and economic development of Belarus,” the Chinese leader said in his message of greetings.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the level of relations with Belarus. “I believe that friendship and cooperation, which have been developing on the basis of mutual benefit and respect for more than a quarter of a century, will diversify and develop in many different areas thanks to our joint efforts,” the Turkish leader said in his message of greetings.

“It is particularly gratifying to see a high level of trust and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus on the robust basis of traditional ties of friendship and mutual support, active interaction between our countries on a wide range of issues. I am confident that the successful implementation of the agreements reached during your visit will give an important impetus to the further development and expansion of the Azerbaijani-Belarusian strategic partnership,” Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev stressed in his message of greetings.

The president of Kazakhstan noted in his message of greetings that Belarus is confidently following the path of modernization of the social and political life, construction of an efficient and self-sufficient economy. “Our joint efforts will give a powerful impetus to the further development of Kazakhstan-Belarus mutually beneficial cooperation, including within the framework of regional integration associations, for the benefit and in the interests of our peoples,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that under the leadership of Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus has been confidently following the path of strengthening sovereignty and independence, protection and promotion of national interests, ensuring sustainable economic development. “We in Uzbekistan attach great importance to the development of traditionally close relations of friendship and partnership with Belarus. We intend to continue deepening constructive political dialogue, expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” reads the message of greetings from the leader of Uzbekistan.

Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, stated that during the years of independence Belarus has achieved significant success in state-building and sustainable social and economic development. “The relations of strategic partnership with the Republic of Belarus have been and remain a priority of Tajikistan's foreign policy. We cherish the historically established unbreakable ties between the two peoples and states,” he stressed.

"The date of 3 July entered the history of Belarus as a vivid page of heroic valor of frontline soldiers and home front workers, who liberated the country, won freedom for the people and defended their independence,” reads the message of greetings from Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov. The head of state noted that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Belarus in all areas of mutual interest.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed confidence that, on the solid basis of traditional friendship, the parties will continue to strengthen Serbian-Belarusian relations and develop comprehensive cooperation. “I take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to the Republic of Belarus and to you personally for the traditional support for the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia,” reads the message of greetings from the Serbian leader.

Pope Francis conveyed his wishes for peace and prosperity to the citizens of Belarus.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed his warmest greetings to the Belarusian people. “I count on the Republic of Belarus to help strengthen the United Nations and build a better and more peaceful world for all,” he said.

“Under your leadership, Belarus has been progressively moving towards modernizing all aspects of society, and your vast political experience and high professionalism allow you to firmly and consistently protect and defend the national interests of the country,” Vladimir Norov, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said in his message of greetings.

“I send you and the Belarusian people my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Belarus and once again confirm Cuba's will to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between our countries,” Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez stressed in his message of greetings.

Israel President Reuven Rivlin noted that relations between the Israeli and Belarusian nations are based on a long shared history. “Many representatives of the Jewish people have lived in Belarus for centuries, immigrated to the State of Israel and made valuable contributions to the education and development of the state. The community of natives of Belarus in Israel serves as a ‘living bridge’ that strengthens the relationship between our countries,” the message says. Reuven Rivlin wished Aleksandr Lukashenko wellbeing and continued progress and prosperity to the Belarusian people.

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his message of greetings to the Belarusian head of state expressed his conviction that the traditionally friendly Turkmen-Belarusian relations based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust would continue to develop and strengthen for the benefit of both nations.

“I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for the friendly relations and cooperation linking our two countries. I confirm my sincere interest in their further development at all levels for the benefit of our friendly peoples,” Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in his message of greetings.

Syria President Bashar al-Assad confirmed his country's desire to develop relations with Belarus and strengthen joint cooperation in all areas. “I express our full solidarity in your opposition in the face of any pressure and sanctions against the sovereignty of Belarus and interference in its internal affairs,” he stressed.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani wished happiness and prosperity to the Belarusian people. “I express my hopes that in the light of joint efforts, the huge potential of the two countries, especially in the economic sector, will be realized for further development and improvement of relations between the two countries in various areas,” said the president of Iran in his message of greetings.

“We always follow closely and have been pleased to note the many successes achieved by the Belarusian people under your leadership in the development of the country and implementation of the policy of diversification of foreign relations. We are confident that with the successful implementation of the social and economic development plans set forth, Belarus will become even more developed, which meets the wishes of the people, and will maintain its worthy position in the region and in the world,” said Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President of the UAE Khalif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent their messages to the Belarusian president. They wished strong health and happiness to Aleksandr Lukashenko, and further progress and prosperity to the government and the friendly people of Belarus.

On behalf of the people of Singapore, President Halimah Yacob has sent her greetings to Belarusians on Independence Day. She wished Belarus and its citizens peace, happiness and prosperity.